- Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan land, has joined his ancestors two days after celebrating his second anniversary
- Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo announced the departure of the first-class monarch king shortly after his demise at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, the state capital
- The late Balogun ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after Governor Makinde handed over the staff of office to him
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Ibadan, Oyo – The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, has passed away. The 42nd Olubadan was 82.
Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, announced this in a statement. The governor said the monarch died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Photo Credit: @Mautiin01
Source: Twitter
Governor Makinde announces demise of Olubadan
According to a statement signed by Governor Makinde’s chief press secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and sent to Legit.ng, the 81-year-old traditional ruler died Thursday evening, March 14.
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Oba Balogun had only reigned for two years on his ancestral throne. He was crowned the king and presented with the staff of office by Governor Makinde on March 11, 2022.
Governor Makinde announced the late monarch as a towering figure, saying an Iroko tree had fallen.
He said:
“With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Olubadan celebrates two years on throne
The late Olubadan, who ascended the ancestral throne two years ago following the departure of his predecessor, the late Oba Saliu Adetunji, was born on October 18, 1942.
On Monday, March 11, Oba Lekan Balogun expressed gratitude to God for the privilege and opportunity to have witnessed two years on the throne while appreciating members of his advisory council for their unrelenting support since he became the king.
On his second anniversary, the late Balogun, the same day as the beginning of the 2024 Ramadan fast, asked for prayer for Nigeria by the Muslims and called for love among Nigerians. He added that it would make the period stress-free for those who adhered.
Oyo denies demolishing 500 houses
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Oyo government had begun to demolish a number of houses in Ibadan, the state capital.
The demolition will reportedly affect 12 villages along the Circular Road in Ona Ara LGA of the state.
However, the state commissioner for land, housing and urban development, Williams Akinfunmilayo, said only 50 houses had been affected so far.
Source: Legit.ng
