Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun is dead. He was 81.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced the passing of the foremost monarch in a statement last night.
Oba Balogun, who ascended the throne of his forebears on March 11, 2022, was the 42nd monarch in the ancient city.
In the statement titled: “An Iroko has fallen”, the governor stated that Olubadan Balogun, joined his ancestors last night at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
He described the late royal father as 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.
The statement reads: “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.”
The statement was signed by Makinde’s Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju.