The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has passed away.
He was 81 years old.
Oba Balogun was given the Staff of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on March 11, 2022 and ruled for two years.
Governor Makinde confirmed Oba Balogun's passing in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday, stating that the monarch died on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The governor described the late monarch as a prominent figure similar to an Iroko tree.
He said, "With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
"A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.
"In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.
"On behalf of the government and good people of the state, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.
"The passing of Oba Dr. Balogun marks the end of an era for Ibadanland, leaving behind a profound void in its rich history and heritage," he added.
The late Olubadan was born on October 18, 1942.
The PUNCH reports that Olubadan ascended his forefathers’ throne two years ago after the passage of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.
On Monday, the late monarch thanked God for the grace and privilege to clock two years on the throne, just as he thanked members of his advisory council for their unflinching support so far.
Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the second anniversary, which coincided with the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast, was also used as an opportunity by the monarch to ask for prayers for the country by the Islamic faithful and expression of love for one another to make the period stress-free for the adherents.
The monarch said his clocking two years on the throne was a special grace by his creator that he could not take for granted.
