Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Ododo, have offered their heartfelt condolences to the Oyo State Government following the demise of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The news of Oba Balogun’s passing was announced by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who conveyed the monarch’s demise at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The late monarch’s funeral rites, according to Islamic traditions, will take place today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his ancestral home in Aliiwo, Ibadan.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Oba Balogun’s death as a significant loss to the people of Ibadan and the traditional institution in Oyo State. He lauded the late Olubadan’s remarkable reign, expressing gratitude for his impactful contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole. Sanwo-Olu extended prayers for the repose of the monarch’s soul and urged divine strength for the royal family and the people of Ibadan to bear the loss.
Similarly, Governor Ododo, in a condolence message conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, expressed shock over Oba Balogun’s passing, noting the monarch’s recent second anniversary on the throne. He hailed the late Olubadan as a progressive leader whose reign fostered peace and stability in Ibadanland and the wider Oyo State Traditional Council.
President Bola Tinubu had previously offered his condolences on the monarch’s demise, highlighting the widespread recognition of Oba Balogun’s influential role.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan-in-Council confirmed that no specific date has been set for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is poised to ascend to the esteemed position, subject to the approval of the state governor.