Sanwo-Olu, Kogi gov mourn Olubadan

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Ododo, have commiserated with the  Oyo State Government over the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the monarch’s death in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday.

He said the monarch died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

His remains will be interred according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, described Oba Balogun’s death as a great loss to the people of Ibadan and the traditional institution in Oyo State.

He wrote, “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with my brother, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the people of the ancient city of Ibadan, the traditional council, the deceased family, friends and political associates on the transition of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his forebears on Thursday.

“The passing of Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, is an end to a glorious era and remarkable reign of an outstanding traditional ruler in Oyo State, Yorubaland. His death is a great loss to the people of Ibadan and he will be greatly missed.

“Oba Balogun made lots of positive impact during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of Ibadan the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Also, Ododo, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, also expressed shock over the death of the late Olubadan whom he noted celebrated his second anniversary on the throne during the week.

“The late Olubadan was a progressive traditional ruler whose reign within a period of two years brought about the sustenance of peace and stability in Ibadan land and the Oyo State Traditional Council in general,” Ododo noted.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Olubadan and for the almighty Allah to grant his family and the entire people of Ibadan land the fortitude to deal with the passing of the late monarch.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier expressed his condolences over the death of the monarch.

The Olubadan-in-Council, on Friday, said there was no specific date yet for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is expected to be crowned as the next Olubadan subject to the approval of the state governor.