The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, has joined his ancestors two years after ascending the throne. .
News of the death of the 82-year-old Ibadan traditional ruler was confirmed by his media aide, Dele Ogunsola, on late Thursday evening.
Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital, UCH, in Ibadan few hours after admission at the Hospital.
The first-class traditional ruler ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The late Olubadan will be buried on Friday evening in Ibadan, a family member has announced.
The late Oba who died barely 72 hours after completing two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland will be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 p.m. according to Islamic rites.
His younger brother, Dr Kola Balogun, disclosed in a statement by the late Olubadan’s media aide, Oladele Ogunsola, that “Olubadan bowed out gracefully this evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness.”
He added that the late Ibadan traditional ruler was taken to the hospital after having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday on account of a slight malaria fever.
“Baba was hale and hearty on Monday, when he personally received the few guests who paid him congratulatory visits on his second year anniversary on that day,” Dr Kola Balogun said.
Meanwhile, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has stated that Ibadan witnessed many developmental projects during the reign of Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun.
The organization made this declaration in a statement issued by its President -General, Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole on Friday.
CCII, which is the umbrella body for all indigenes of the ancient city both at home and in the Diaspora in its reaction, said that many developmental projects were executed during the two years reign of the Ali-Iwo born monarch.
Ajewole sympathized with the people of Ali-Iwo compound and all indigenes of the ancient city over the passage of the monarch.
“We in CCII received the news of the passage of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun Ali Okunmade 11 with shock.
“We use this medium to sympathise with the indigenes of Ali-Iwo compound and entire indigenes and residents of Ibadan over the passage of our traditional ruler.
“It is on record that Ibadan witnessed many tremendous developmental projects during the two years reign of Oba Balogun.
“Coincidentally, Oba Balogun died during the Ramadan fast. It is our belief that Almighty Allah will accept his coming. We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive him and count him among the people who will enter Aljanah Firdaus,” he said.
The late Olubadan was a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, degree holder, and a former university lecturer.
He was also a former management staff member of Shell British Petroleum, a former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), former Senator and a successful businessman.
His last official outing was the Olubadan Advisory Council’s meeting which he presided over on Saturday.
The late Olubadan is survived by wives, children and grandchildren. NAN
