Obasanjo Pays Condolence Visit to Late Olubadan’s Residence

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo demonstrated solidarity and paid respects to the Alarere residence of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Thursday. Oba Balogun, who held the throne for two years, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 81 years old.

During his visit, Obasanjo was warmly received by the late Oba’s wives, Olori Olayinka Balogun and Olori Olufunmilayo Balogun. Expressing his condolences, Obasanjo emphasized his personal connection with the late monarch, stating, “The late Olubadan was not a foreigner to me, he was my friend and it is my duty to pay this visit to his family.”

Reflecting on the character of the late Oba Balogun, Obasanjo remarked, “He carried the position very well. He was ‘Gbobaniyi’.” Despite the desire for a longer companionship, Obasanjo acknowledged the inevitability of fate, citing a Yoruba proverb: “‘o wuni ka jeran pe lenu, oofa ona ofun o je’ that’s as much as we want to hold the meat in our mouth, the drawer from our oesophagus won’t allow us.”

Responding on behalf of the family, Tajudeen Aremu, the Bobajiro of Ibadanland, and former Oyo State Head of Service, lauded Obasanjo’s visit as a gesture of genuine affection. Aremu highlighted the selfless nature of such gestures, noting, “There’s nothing our late father can do for anybody now… whatever anybody does for him now is not because of receiving anything in return from him, but out of deep love and concern.”