Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, passes away at 81

The revered traditional ruler, Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away at the age of 81, according to Chief Press Secretary Sulaimon Olanrewaju’s statement, signed by Governor Makinde of Oyo State.

Born on October 18, 1942, he died on Thursday evening, March 14, at University College Hospital in Ibadan, following a brief illness.

Oba Balogun, a highly accomplished individual, earned a PhD from the British education system, worked as an academic, and had a distinguished career at Shell British Petroleum.

He also entered politics, serving as a former senator and gubernatorial candidate for the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP). He was well-known for his business successes.

During his two-year reign as Ibadanland’s 42nd Olubadan, Oba Balogun made significant contributions to his community. His final official act was presiding over the Olubadan Advisory Council, where he decided to remove Mogaji Akinsola’s chieftaincy title, Oladoja.

The late Olubadan’s family has announced that his funeral will be held on Friday, March 15, following Islamic rites at his ancestral home in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Oba Balogun ascended to the throne on March 11, 2022, when Governor Makinde bestowed upon him the staff of office, ushering in his brief but significant reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.