The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, was laid to rest today amidst tears, tributes and eulogies at the family burial ground Aliiwo compound in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
He died at the famous University College Hospital,Ibadan on Thursday evening after a brief illness at age 81.
The monarch was buried in accordance to Islamic rites. A large crowd witnessed his burial, including the the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal.
The Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheikh Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere, led Islamic leaders to conduct burial arrangements and prayers on the remains of Balogun.
He ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, spent two years as the monarch of the ancient city.
On 1 December 1986, he became the Mogaji of the Aliiwo family compound. Regardless of the intrigues that usually characterized succession to the throne, Oba Olalekan Balogun rose through the rank and file in the Ibadan traditional system to become the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland on 1 January 2017.
He occupied that position till 11 March 2022 when he was elevated to ascend the throne of Olubadan of Ibadan in line with the city’s traditional succession system.
The first Olubadan from the Aliiwo compound was Oba Memudu Aliiwo who was crowned in 1952,and since then, succession to the throne has not been passed down to the Aliiwo compound.
Speaking with his brother, Senator Kola Balogun,he said “my brother is a very decent and intelligent man. He taught me my first English language, he’s the one king I know that gives gifts and money to people instead of receiving from them. I will miss him so much because we were very close”
He’s known to be an educationist, industrialists,politician who was a gubernatorial candidate in 1979.
Commenting on his demise,Olori Joyce Balogun Said “my husband was a selfless loving man. He was so sweet and responsible, down to earth and doesn’t trample on anyone, I’ll miss him so much because he was dear to my heart”.
Reports by Adeleke Maria for IbadanCity ANNOUNCER
