Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, lived a fulfilled life and would be remembered fondly for his contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State.
The governor spoke at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday, during the State Burial organized in honor of the late Oba Dr. Balogun, who represented Oyo Central District in the Senate between 1999 and 2003. He praised the late monarch for working with the state government to achieve the seamless review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2023.
Governor Makinde announced that the next Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, would be installed soon, following the acceptance of his recommendation by the Olubadan-in-Council. He also condoled the family of Oba Dr. Balogun and the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, urging them to take solace in the good life led by the late Olubadan.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, extolled the virtues of Oba Balogun, describing him as an intellectual and a patriot. Dr. Kola Balogun, younger brother to the late monarch, lauded Governor Makinde for his support for the late Olubadan and his family, as well as the befitting burial given to the deceased Royal Father.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, and his wife, Mrs. Ajibola Lawal, among others. The successful review of the Oyo State Chiefs Law I. 2023 will enable the government to install the next Olubadan soon, as the government has accepted the recommendation of Olubadan-Elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, by the Olubadan-in-Council.
Makinde said, “One thing I want us to take home today is that Kabiyesi Lekan Balogun and I did what people thought Napoleon could not do.” He added, “I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council, and I have accepted it. Oba Olakulehin would be enthroned soon because due process has been followed.”
The governor equally condoled the family of Oba Dr. Balogun and the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, urging them to take solace in the good life led by the late Olubadan. “So, I want to once again thank you all and console the family. We all lost Baba, but we should take solace in the fact that Baba lived a very fulfilled life,” the governor said.
Signed,
Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor
June 8, 2024
