In the esteemed realm of Ibadanland, a luminary of heritage and tradition has been extinguished. His Royal Majesty, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, the esteemed Olubadan, has departed this life at the age of 81. He’s ascension to the throne on March 11, 2022, heralded a reign of significant influence, despite its brevity, as he became the 42nd monarch to preside over the historic city.
His tenure of two years stands as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to the citizens of Ibadanland. The legacy of Oba Balogun is comparable to the grandeur of the Iroko tree, firmly entrenched in the fertile grounds of history and tradition. His absence bequeaths a heritage celebrated for its regal distinction and dedication to the progress of his domain.
In this period of bereavement, we contemplate the tenure of a sovereign who served not only as the guardian of customs but also as an emblem of cohesion and advancement. The contributions of Oba Balogun to Ibadanland will perpetuate, reverberating through the annals of time.
While the circumstances of his demise remain private, the depth of his absence is profoundly perceived. With the cessation of Oba Lekan Balogun’s reign, the denizens of Ibadanland, and by extension, the entirety of Oyo State, honor his memory with profound respect and esteem. His investiture with the Staff of Office by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on March 11, 2022, remains a significant event in the annals of the city’s history.
Governor Makinde, through a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the monarch’s passing on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The governor eulogized the late monarch as a figure of monumental stature, akin to the robust Iroko tree.
The governor’s homage read, “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba 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 the state, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”
