Late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, laid to rest at ancestral home in Aliiwo

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, was put to rest on Friday at his ancestral home in Aliiwo, Ibadan, at about 4:30 p.m.

The two-year reigning king died on Thursday at the University College Hospital in Ibadan at the age of 81, following a brief illness.

Top government officials attended the funeral service, led by state deputy governor Bayo Lawal, who paid their respects at the family burial site in Aliiwo, Ibadan North Local Government Area.

Before the funeral, a lying-in-state ceremony was held at Mapo Hall from 12 noon to 1 pm, followed by prayers before the procession to Aliwo for burial.

Islamic leaders, including Ibadanland’s Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, oversaw the burial arrangements and offered prayers for the late king, hailing him as a symbol of peace and integrity.

Senator Rasidi Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, and distinguished members of the Olubadan-in-Council paid tribute to the late monarch, stressing his multifarious career and societal accomplishments.

The family had previously announced the funeral, which was conducted according to Islamic rituals, and it received a lot of interest.

Topnaija revealed details about the late monarch’s life and legacy, including his duties as a lecturer, former senator, editor, and gubernatorial candidate.