The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, will be interred according to Islqmoc rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, in his Aliiwo ancestral palace in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital.
The late monarch, who reigned for two years, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a brief illness.
The funeral announcement was delivered by the monarch’s younger brother, the Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Kola Balogun.
It was included in a statement released to journalists by the deceased’s Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola.
He said, “Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4pm on Friday (today), according to Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, though already verbally informed, would be formally notified early this morning.”
It will be recalled that the monarch marked his second anniversary about 72 hours ago.
He said, “Aged 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning having stayed indoor throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever, though, he was hale and hearty on Monday during which he personally received a few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”
The late Olubadan was a British-trained Ph.D., a former university lecturer, a former member of Shell British Petroleum’s executive team, a former governorship candidate for the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, a former Senator, and a successful businessman.
His most recent formal appearance was at the Olubadan Advisory Council meeting last Saturday, which he presided over.
At that meeting, the decision to strip Mogaji Akinsola, Oladoja, was made.
He did, however, ask the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, to lead a small committee to reflect on last Friday’s decision on the status of Ibadan Zone in the proposed newly reconstructed Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The decision of the small committee was earlier on Thursday ratified by the Olubadan Advisory Council at a meeting presided over by Otun Olubadan and the former Governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja and was to be taken to the late Oba Balogun for his signature Friday morning so as to meet the deadline for submission to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters later in the day.
The late Olubadan is survived by their wives, children, and grandchildren.
