Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, declared yesterday that Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, had passed away.
In a statement, the governor said that an Iroko had fallen.
After 81 years on earth, The Monarch reportedly joined his ancestors late on Thursday night at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, according to Governor Makinde.
In a little more than two years, Oba Dr. Balogun left his mark on Ibadan land and was hailed by Governor Makinde as the pinnacle of royal brilliance and a tremendous achiever.
Calling God to grant the departed monarch’s soul repose, he offered his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadan land and Oyo State.
“With complete surrender to the will of God, I confirm our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan land, to have passed into glory. “The great Iroko has fallen, and Oba Dr. Balogun has gone to be with the ancestors. Ibadan land had a cultured and accomplished Olubadan in Kabiyesi who left his imprint on history and accomplished a great deal in a short period of time.
“I offer my condolences to the immediate family of Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadan land on behalf of the Government and good people of Oyo State. May God grant rest to the soul of our late monarch.”
