Senator Lekan Balogun Dies After Two Years Crowned As Olubadan(King) Of Ibadan

 The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, known as Alli

Okunmade II, has passed away at the age of 81. 

Oba Balogun served for two years on the throne after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on March 11, 2022.

 Governor Makinde confirmed the monarch's demise in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday. The governor expressed his condolences, describing the late Oba Balogun as a prominent figure comparable to an Iroko tree.

He wrote, “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 reports that Olubadan ascended his forefathers’ throne two years ago after the passage of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.

On Monday, the late monarch expressed gratitude to God for allowing him the grace and privilege of serving two years on the throne. 

He also extended appreciation to members of his advisory council for their unwavering support. In a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, in Ibadan, the state capital, Balogun emphasized the significance of the second anniversary coinciding with the beginning of the Ramadan fast. 

He urged Islamic faithful to pray for the country and encouraged expressions of love to ease the stress of the period for adherents. The monarch regarded his two-year tenure as a special grace from his creator, which he deeply valued.