A heavy downpour disrupted the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Mahood Alli Balogun, on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan. The ceremony, which began with merriment, was abruptly interrupted when the rain started pouring down around 2:30 pm, just as Governor Seyi Makinde was about to deliver his speech.
Despite the efforts of the organizers, the rain showed no signs of letting up, and the governor, accompanied by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, was forced to abandon his speech and seek shelter. The two leaders, drenched by the rain, walked straight to their cars, their soaked Agbada and Cap a testament to the unexpected turn of events.
The sudden rainstorm also brought an abrupt end to the entertainment segment of the ceremony, as renowned musicians Ebenezer Obey and Taye Currency, along with their bands, were unable to perform due to the heavy rain and strong winds. Guests who had been eagerly anticipating a fun-filled evening were left disappointed and pained as they struggled to seek shelter from the rain.
To make matters worse, the contracted food vendors were unable to provide food for the guests, claiming that all prepared food had been served before and during the rain. The vendors were seen packing up their cooking items and leaving the venue, leaving many guests hungry and frustrated.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, the ceremony continued, albeit in a subdued manner, as the guests and dignitaries paid their last respects to the late Olubadan. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of being prepared for any eventuality.
