Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his counterpart from Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, have extended their condolences to the Oyo State Government following the demise of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The passing of the revered monarch was announced by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday.
Oba Balogun breathed his last at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The late Olubadan will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his ancestral home in Aliiwo, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
In his condolence message, Governor Sanwo-Olu, conveyed through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the demise of Oba Balogun as a significant loss to the people of Ibadan and the traditional institution in Oyo State.
Sanwo-Olu hailed the late monarch’s impactful contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large, expressing condolences to Governor Makinde, the people of Ibadan, the traditional council, the Balogun family, friends, and political associates of the deceased.
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Governor Ododo, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, also expressed shock over the demise of the late Olubadan, who celebrated his second anniversary on the throne just recently.
Ododo praised the late monarch’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability in Ibadan and the wider Oyo State Traditional Council during his brief but impactful reign.
Both governors offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Oba Balogun’s soul and for divine strength for his family and the entire people of Ibadan to cope with the loss.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had conveyed his condolences over the monarch’s demise.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan-in-Council stated that there is no specific date yet for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is expected to ascend to the revered throne, pending approval from the state governor.
