Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Ododo, have shared their condolences with the Oyo State Government following the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the monarch’s demise in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday.
He mentioned that the monarch died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
His body will be laid to rest according to Islamic customs today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Oba Balogun’s passing as a significant loss to the people of Ibadan and the traditional institution in Oyo State.
He stated, “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos, I share my condolences with my counterpart, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the people of the ancient city of Ibadan, the traditional council, the deceased family, friends and political associates on the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed away on Thursday.
“The passing of Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, marks the end of a remarkable reign of an outstanding traditional ruler in Oyo State, Yorubaland. His death is a significant loss to the people of Ibadan and he will be greatly missed.
“Oba Balogun made numerous positive contributions during his lifetime, playing a meaningful role in the growth and development of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of Ibadan the strength to cope with the irreparable loss.”
Furthermore, Ododo, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, also expressed surprise over the death of the late Olubadan who he noted celebrated his second anniversary on the throne during the week.
“The late Olubadan was a forward-thinking traditional ruler whose reign over a span of two years brought about the maintenance of peace and stability in Ibadan land and the Oyo State Traditional Council in general,” Ododo remarked.
The governor prayed for the peaceful rest of the late Olubadan's soul and for the almighty Allah to grant his family and the entire people of Ibadan land the strength to deal with the passing of the late monarch.
President Bola Tinubu had previously expressed his condolences over the death of the monarch.
The Olubadan-in-Council stated on Friday that there is no specific date yet for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is set to be crowned as the next Olubadan pending the approval of the state governor.
