Makinde: An Iroko has fallen
IBADAN was last night thrown into mourning as the Olubadan, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, joined his ancestors. He was confirmed dead at the University College Hospital (UCH) few hours after he was moved into the health facility.
Balogun, who represented Oyo central senatorial district between 1999 and 2003, was born in 1942 and was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland. He had ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji. Adetunji, 93, had died January 2, 2022, after reigning from 4th March 2016.
With its unique ascension system, Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan, who is top on the military line, will be officially announced after 21 days of mourning, as Olubadan.
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, while announcing the monarch’s passage described Oba Balogun as a great Iroko tree, said the Kabiyesi 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: “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.”
