The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, breathed his last breath, leaving behind a legacy that echoes through the annals of time. At the age of 81, Oba Balogun concluded his two-year reign on the revered throne of his forefathers. March 11, 2022, marked a significant moment as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, bestowed upon him the Staff of Office, symbolizing his ascension to the throne. However, the sands of time shifted as the curtains closed on Oba Balogun’s earthly journey, with his demise on a somber Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
In a poignant statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde solemnly confirmed the passing of Oba Balogun, describing him as a towering figure reminiscent of the mighty Iroko tree. The governor’s words resonated with reverence as he paid homage to the departed monarch, acknowledging his profound impact on Ibadanland’s cultural tapestry and historical narrative.
“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,” Governor Makinde proclaimed. “A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.”
Indeed, Ibadanland mourned the loss of a cosmopolitan and experienced leader whose tenure as the Olubadan left an indelible imprint on the collective consciousness of its people. Within the brief span of two years, Oba Balogun traversed the corridors of history, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts and minds of generations to come.
In a gesture of solidarity and empathy, Governor Makinde extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late monarch, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council, and the entire populace of Ibadanland. He beseeched the Almighty to grant solace to the departed soul of the revered monarch, acknowledging the profound void left behind by his demise.
“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,” Governor Makinde remarked, encapsulating the solemnity of the moment.
Born on October 18, 1942, Oba Lekan Balogun ascended to the esteemed throne of his forefathers two years prior, following the demise of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji. Reflecting on his tenure, the late monarch expressed gratitude to the Almighty for the privilege of serving as the custodian of Ibadanland’s heritage.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, Oba Balogun commemorated his second anniversary on the throne, coinciding with the commencement of the Ramadan fast. Embracing the significance of the moment, the monarch implored the Islamic faithful to offer prayers for the nation’s well-being and foster a spirit of unity and love during the holy month.
As the curtains draw to a close on Oba Lekan Balogun’s earthly journey, his legacy endures as a beacon of wisdom, compassion, and leadership. May his memory continue to illuminate the path of progress and unity for the people of Ibadanland, honoring the legacy of a revered monarch whose spirit transcends the confines of time and mortality.
