The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, will be laid to rest today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his ancestral home in Aliiwo, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The burial arrangements, according to Islamic rites, were announced by the monarch’s younger brother, Kola Balogun, who is also the Baba-Kekere Olubadan.
The burial ceremony is scheduled to commence at 4pm today. While the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been verbally informed, formal notification will be made early this morning.
Oba Balogun, who reigned for two years, celebrated his second anniversary just 72 hours before his demise. Despite battling a slight malaria fever, he was reported to be in good health until Wednesday morning, when he was taken to the hospital.
The late Olubadan was a distinguished figure, holding a Ph.D. from a British institution. His career spanned academia, business, and politics, including serving as a former university lecturer, member of the management staff of Shell British Petroleum, gubernatorial candidate of the Nigeria People’s Party, and a former Senator.
His recent activities included presiding over the Olubadan Advisory Council meeting and overseeing decisions regarding the reconstitution of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Oba Balogun leaves behind wives, children, and grandchildren, mourning the loss of a remarkable leader whose contributions to Ibadanland will be remembered for generations.
