The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Allí Okunmade II has joined his ancestors.
The reverred Monarch died at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He was admitted into the health facility on Thursday evening.
Reports has it that the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning having stayed indoor throughout Tuesday on due to slight fever.
The announcement of his passing was made by his younger brother, Dr Kola Balogun in a statement by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the late monarch, Oladele Ogunsola.
“Baba was hale and hearty on Monday, when he personally received the few guests who paid him congratulatory visits on his second year anniversary on that day,” Dr Kola Balogun said.
The statement revealed that Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4.00pm on Friday according to Islamic rites.
Confirming the passing, the Chief-Mourner and the Governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, described him as an symbol of royal excellence and a great achiever, who made indelible marks on Ibadanland in his short reign.
He prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased monarch while extending his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
“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,” partly reads the statement.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. Balogun has joined the ancestors.
“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.
“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.”
Born in 1942, Oba Balogun was a Senator who represented Oyo Central senatorial district between 1999 and 2003.
Balogun, who has a doctor of philosophy, became the Olubadan on the 11th of March 2022. He succeeded Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji who joined his ancestors on 2nd January, 2022.
With the unique and rancour-free ascension system of Olubadan stool, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the current Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan is next in line, and will be officially announced after the traditional 21 days of mourning, as the next Olubadan.