Tinubu Mourns Olubadan, As Family Announces Burial Programme
President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, with a deep sense of grief.
The President condoles with the family of the Olubadan, the government of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State over this gaping loss.
President Tinubu mourns the Olubadan, yet celebrates his remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.
“His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity. He was compassionate, courageous, and an unrelenting advocate of the pristine ideals of peace, honesty, and unity. His wise counsel will be sorely missed at this time in the life of our country,” the President says.
President Tinubu urges all who are in mourning to find solace in the immortal legacies of the Olubadan, stating that the Olubadan lives eternally in his good deeds and in the memories of everyone touched by the majesty of his essence.
The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those mourning this sad loss.
Meanwhile the remains of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, will be interred according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The late monarch, who reigned for two years, joined his ancestors at the age of 81 late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness.
The burial announcement was made by the monarch’s younger brother who is the Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Kola Balogun.
It was contained in a statement made available to journalists by the deceased’s Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola.
He said, “Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4pm on Friday (today), according to Islamic rites. The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, though already verbally informed, would be formally notified early this morning.”
It will be recalled that the monarch marked his second anniversary about 72 hours ago.
He said, “Aged 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning having stayed indoor throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever, though, he was hale and hearty on Monday during which he personally received a few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second anniversary on that day.”
