After a brief illness, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has passed away at the age of 81.
The late monarch, who had been indoors on Tuesday due to a slight malaria fever, was taken to the hospital on Wednesday morning. Despite being in good health on Monday, he received congratulatory visitors for his second-year anniversary.
The announcement of his passing was made by his younger brother, Dr. Kola Balogun, and Baba-Kekere Olubadan through a statement from the late monarch’s Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola.
According to Dr. Balogun, Oba Balogun will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Aliiwo, following Islamic rites, on Friday at 4:00 pm. The state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been verbally informed and will be formally notified in the morning.
Oba Lekan Balogun, a highly educated monarch, held a Ph.D. from a British institution, served as a university lecturer, and had a successful career with Shell British Petroleum. He also ventured into politics as a former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), a former senator, and a prominent businessman.
His recent official engagement was presiding over the Olubadan Advisory Council’s meeting, during which the decision to derobe Mogaji Akinsola, Olawale Oladoja, was made. He also instructed the Ekerin Olubadan to oversee a committee’s deliberation on the position of Ibadan Zone in the proposed reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Governor Makinde, in his statement, described Oba Lekan Balogun as an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever, highlighting his significant contributions to Ibadanland during his brief reign of just over two years.
He extended condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying for the repose of the deceased monarch’s soul.
Makinde expressed profound sadness over the loss, acknowledging the impactful legacy left by Oba Balogun in Ibadan’s history and beyond.
