The Iyaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, has mourned the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who joined his ancestors late Thursday.
Alhaja Saratu Aduke, in a condolence message on Friday, described the death of the king as devastating, noting that he saw the king few days ago without showing any sign of illness or tiredness.
The Number One trader in Oyo state who said she regarded the late monarch as father, lamented the vacuum left behind by the traditional ruler, saying she received the news of the death of the king with rude shock.
The Iyaloja General of Oyo State pointed out that the late monarch who reigned for only two years, impacted traders in Oyo State with his various contributions to the growth of markets in the state and his support for market leaders across the 33 local government areas of the state.
Alhaja Konibaje, having known the late Olubadan for decades, described Oba Balogun as a promoter of peace, patriotism and unity.
She added that the late monarch was a man of valor and sound intellectual prowess, a bridge-builder whose genuine love and tolerance for all, regardless of ethnicity or race was exceptional in the history of mankind.
On behalf of the Coalition of Traders in Oyo State and Ibadan Joint Traders, The Iyaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, expressed her deepest condolences to the government, people of Oyo State, the Royal Family, the Olubadan-in-council and the people of Ibadan on the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
She prayed for the soul of the respected traditional ruler to rest in perfect peace.
The late monarch, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, died at the age of 82 on Thursday and will be buried by 4:00 PM today.
