The bereaved family of Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has announced plans for his funeral.
The late monarch will be buried according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
It had earlier reported that the late Oyo monarch joined his ancestors at the age of 81 late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness
Baba-Kekere Olubadan and his younger brother, Kola Balogun, in a statement in Ibadan, announced the burial plans.
He said, “Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 pm 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 indoors throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever, though he was hale and hearty on Monday, during which he received a few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”
The late Olubadan was a British-trained PhD holder, a former university lecturer, a former management staff member of Shell British Petroleum, a former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, a former Senator, and a successful businessman.
Gov Makinde Mourns Oba Lekan Balogun
Seyi Makinde has expressed grief over the passage of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
The Governor in a condolence message on Friday, said the late oba had made “indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.”
Olubadan Balogun joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
According to Makinde, Oba Dr. Balogun was an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever, who made great marks on Ibadanland in just a little over two years of his reign.
He expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased monarch.
He said: “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. 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 Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland.
“It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”
Culled from Channelstv