The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, has passed away on Thursday evening few days after clocking two years on the throne.
Dele Ogunsola, media aide to the 82-year-old Olubadan Balogun confirmed his passage to journalists.
According to him, Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan few hours after admission at the Hospital.
Oba Balogun ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Oyo governor, Seyi Makinde, installed Olalekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Makinde presented the staff of office to Balogun during the ceremony which took place on Friday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital.
The Governor had on February 14 approved Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan
Reflecting on his life during his 81st birthday in 2023, Oba Balogun said he has had a fulfilled life and appreciated God Almighty for all his achievements in life.
“For me to be of this age, it is only God who has been there for me. I can remember the time I was attacked and shot in the stomach by armed robbers at Challenge area in Ibadan here, I was operated upon and survived it,” he stated.
On his aspirations for Ibadan land, Oba Balogun said it was his dream to see a bigger, peaceful and prosperous Ibadan land.
He urged all sons and daughters of Ibadan land to continue doing their best for the growth and development of the ancient city.
Oba Balogun was born on Oct. 18, 1942.
Family reveals burial plans
The family of late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has revealed how the monarch died late Thursday and the plans for his burial.
The late Olubadan, according to his family will be buried today Friday evening in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State
Oba Balogun who died barely 72 hours after completing two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland will be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 p.m. according to Islamic rites.
His younger brother, Dr Kola Balogun, disclosed in a statement by the late Olubadan’s media aide, Oladele Ogunsola, that “Olubadan bowed out gracefully this evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness.”
He added that the late Ibadan traditional ruler was taken to the hospital after having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday on account of a slight malaria fever.
“Baba was hale and hearty on Monday, when he personally received the few guests who paid him congratulatory visits on his second year anniversary on that day,” Dr Kola Balogun said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Olubadan was a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree holder, and a former university lecturer.
He was also a former management staff member of Shell British Petroleum, a former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), former Senator and a successful businessman.
His last official outing was the Olubadan Advisory Council’s meeting which he presided over on Saturday.
The late Olubadan is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.