National Telescope national telescope newspaper
President Bola Tinubu has described as shocking the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
This is as he celebrates his remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.
Balogun, who died on Thursday at the age of 81, reigned for two years, having been presented with the Staff of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on March 11, 2022.
The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngalale, on Friday, said the late Olubadan was an exceptional king.
It reads 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.”
Governor Seyi Makinde, while confirming the death of the late monarch in a statement by his spokesman, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, late Thursday, said the late king has left indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short time.
“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.
“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.”
Also, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has commiserated with the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Ibadanland over the death of the monarch.
Professor Adebowale prayed for the repose of the soul of His Imperial Majesty and that peace would continue to be upon Ibadanland.
He seized the opportunity to again appreciate the generous donation of the land on which the University stands by the people of Ibadanland.
A member of the National Assembly, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, in a statement personally signed in Ibadan, sympathised with the family, friends, as well as subjects of the late monarch.
In a statement, he said, “I join the people of Ibadanland in mourning the loss of a beloved monarch and leader. I stand in solidarity with the community in honouring the legacy and contributions of Oba Balogun. The enduring impact of his leadership and the indelible mark he left on the cultural tapestry of Ibadan. Oba Balogun’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many.”
