Olubadan joins ancestors at 81, two years after ascending the throne

In a solemn announcement, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State revealed the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

Balogun, who represented Oyo Central senatorial district between 1999 and 2003, was born in 1942 and was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji. Adetunji, 93, died on January 2, 2022, after reigning from March 4, 2016.

The revered monarch breathed his last Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Governor Makinde, in a statement released late Thursday night, mourned the loss of Olubadan Balogun, honouring his legacy as an exemplar of royal excellence and a profound achiever despite his relatively brief reign of just over two years.

Governor Makinde expressed condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State. He prayed for the repose of the deceased monarch’s soul.

He remarked: “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland. A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. Balogun has joined the ancestors.”

The statement continued by offering condolences to the late monarch’s family and the entire Ibadan community:

“On behalf of the Government and good People of Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”

With its Ibadan ascension system, Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan, top on the military line, will be officially announced after 21 days as Olubadan.

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