By Samuel Ogunsona
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, has passed away after two years on the throne.
Oba Balogun who kicked the bucket on Thursday at age 81 was the 42nd crowned king of Ibadanland.
The late Olubadan was born on October 18, 1942.
The Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, who confirmed his death said the “Oba” died on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, who presented the Staff of Office to the king in March, 2022, also announced the death of the Oba
He said, “ “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.
Makinde described the death of the ‘Oba’ as a fallen mighty Iroko tree.
“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.”
“The passing of Oba Dr. Balogun marks the end of an era for Ibadanland, leaving behind a profound void in its rich history and heritage,” he stated.