The family of late Oba Oyewumi rebuts Saka Balogun’s remarks, calling them false and divisive, while reaffirming the monarch’s enduring legacy.
The family of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, CON, CFR, former Soun of Ogbomosoland, has rejected recent claims made by Dr. Saka Balogun, describing them as false, offensive, and aimed at creating division.
Dr. Balogun, a former Chief of Staff under the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, made controversial statements during an appearance on the programme “Ogbomoso Segiri” aired on Imole TV. The family has labelled his comments as misleading and malicious.
Oba Oyewumi’s Legacy of Leadership
In their response, the family highlighted the late monarch’s 48 years of peaceful and progressive rule, which they said brought social, economic, and political growth to Ogbomosoland. Oba Oyewumi’s investments and dedication to community development, they added, laid a strong foundation for the town’s advancement.
The monarch was honoured nationally with the titles Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in recognition of his contributions to nation-building.
Dr. Balogun Benefited from the Monarch
The family also pointed out that Dr. Balogun had previously benefitted from the late ruler’s generosity. They cited his appointment as Presidential Liaison Officer during President Shehu Shagari’s administration—an opportunity facilitated by Oba Oyewumi—as well as other political roles during the governments of Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Governor Alao-Akala.
Call for Unity and Respect
Describing Balogun’s recent remarks as “ungrateful and hypocritical,” the family accused him of a pattern of political opportunism and betrayal in his dealings with influential figures.
They urged the public to dismiss his statements as baseless and provocative, adding that attempts to tarnish the monarch’s image would not erase his enduring legacy.
Quoting the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) in Sahih al-Bukhari 1393:
> “Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they sent forth,”
the family advised Dr. Balogun to reflect and refrain from disparaging a revered leader who can no longer defend himself.
They concluded by calling on all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress championed by Oba Oyewumi during his lifetime.
