The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has been buried according to Islamic rites.
He was buried on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Recall that the late Oyo monarch died at the age of 81 on Thursday evening of March 14, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness.
The younger brother of the late monarch, Kola Balogun, also known as Baba-Kekere Olubadan had earlier made the burial announcement in a statement.
He said, “Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 pm on Friday (today), according to Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, though already verbally informed, would be formally notified early this morning.”
The late Olubadan had marked his second anniversary on the throne three days ago.
He said, “Aged 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever, though, he was hale and hearty on Monday during which he received a few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”
The late Olubadan was a British-trained Ph.D. holder, a former university lecturer, a former member of the management staff of Shell British Petroleum, a former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, NPP, a former Senator, and a successful businessman.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences over the death of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngalale, on Friday, March 15, described Olubadan as an exceptional king in the service of humanity.
The statement read in part, “President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, with a deep sense of grief.
“The President condoles with the family of the Olubadan, the government of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State over this gaping loss.”
“His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity.
“He was compassionate, courageous, and an unrelenting advocate of the pristine ideals of peace, honesty, and unity. His wise counsel will be sorely missed at this time in the life of our country,” the statement added.
Tinubu, however, urged all who are mourning to seek solace in the legacies of the late king, saying “The Olubadan lives eternally in his good deeds and the memories of everyone touched by the majesty of his essence.”
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