How 42nd Olubadan Of Ibadanland Died At UCH After Two Years’ Reign – Kola Balogun

The death of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II was confirmed by Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday, at exactly 11:19 pm through a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser Media, Mr Suliamon Olanrewaju.

It was affirmed that the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on Thursday evening, after a brief illness.

The younger brother of the deceased traditional ruler and the Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Senator Kola Balogun, also disclosed in a statement to announce the passage of Oba Balogun.

He a statement issued by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the late Olubadan, Mr Oladele Ogunsola, the Oba Balogun died barely 72 hours after his two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

According to the younger brother, the late Olubadan was taken to the UCH on Wednesday morning “on account of slight malaria fever.”

“Barely 72 hours after his two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, bowed out gracefully this evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness.

“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 few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”

Senator Kola Balogun further disclosed that Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4.00 pm today, according to Islamic rites.

He also disclosed that, though the state governor, Seyi Makinde had been verbally informed, he would be formally notified of the passage of the first-class traditional ruler early today.

The late Olubadan was the first and most educated to have emerged as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He was a British-trained PhD holder, a former university lecturer, a former member of the management staff of Shell British Petroleum, a former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), a former senator and a successful businessman.

The late Olubadan had his last official outing at the meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council which he presided over last Saturday.

It was at the meeting that the decision to disrobe Chief Olawale Oladoja as the Mogaji Akinsola Family.

On Tuesday, the late Olubadan instructed the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, to midwife a small committee to deliberate on a decision taken last Friday on what should be the position of Ibadan Zone in the proposed newly-reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

As disclosed by the media aide of the late Oba Balogun, the decision of the small committee was earlier on Thursday ratified by the Olubadan Advisory Council at a meeting presided over by Otun Olubadan and the former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.

The decision, as ratified, was to be taken to the late Oba Balogun for his signature this morning to meet the deadline for submission to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters later in the day.

Oba Lekan Balogun was presented with the Staff of Office by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde at a colourful event held at the historic Mapo Hall on 11 March 2022.