The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, will be interred according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The late Oyo monarch joined his ancestors at the age of 81 late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness
Baba-Kekere Olubadan and his younger brother, Kola Balogun, in a statement in Ibadan, made the burial announcement
He said, “Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4pm on Friday (today), according to Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, though already verbally informed, would be formally notified early this morning.”
It will be recalled that the monarch marked his second anniversary about 72 hours ago.
He said, “Aged 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning having stayed indoor throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever, though, he was hale and hearty on Monday during which he personally received a few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”
The late Olubadan was a British-trained PhD 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, a former Senator and a successful businessman
His last official outing was the Olubadan Advisory Council meeting, which he presided over last Saturday.
At that meeting, the decision to disrobe Mogaji Akinsola, Oladoja, was taken.
He, however, on Tuesday instructed the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, to head a small committee to deliberate on last Friday’s decision on what should be the position of Ibadan Zone in the proposed newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The Olubadan Advisory Council earlier on Thursday ratified the decision of the small committee at a meeting presided over by Otun Olubadan and the former Governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja and was to be taken to the late Oba Balogun for his signature Friday morning so as to meet the deadline for submission to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters later in the day.
The late Olubadan is survived by their wives, children, and grandchildren.
