The Senate has taken a significant step towards immortalizing the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, by resolving to name one of its committee rooms after him.
Oba Balogun, who passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the University College Hospital Ibadan, had ascended the throne on March 11, 2022.
The decision to immortalize the late monarch was reached following a motion sponsored by Senator Sharafadeen Ali (APC Oyo South), who highlighted Oba Balogun’s exemplary leadership, community development efforts, and service-driven political career. Ali noted that the late Olubadan served as a Senator from 1999 to 2003, embodying the qualities of peace and upholding the cultural values of the Yoruba people.
Senators Yinus Akintunde (Central) and Addulfai Buhari (North) from Oyo State also spoke on the positive impact of the late monarch on their lives and communities. Buhari specifically mentioned how Oba Balogun’s book, “Arrogance of Power,” provided valuable guidance after his election to the House of Representatives in 2003.
The Senate, after thorough debates, adopted all prayers sought in the motion, including the immortalization of the late Olubadan by naming a committee room after him. A minute of silence was also observed in his honor.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Senator Abdulfatai Buhari for his suggestion to distribute copies of Oba Balogun’s book to all Senators, emphasizing the importance of the late monarch’s wisdom in guiding legislative duties.