Senator Kola Balogun, the younger brother of the deceased traditional ruler and the Baba-Kekere Olubadan, had revealed his brother, Ọba Lekan Balogun died.
The younger Balogun who became senator 20 years after his brother, made the disclosure in a statement to announce the passage of Oba Balogun. While the deceased monarch represented Oyo central between 1999-2003, the younger Balogun was elected to represent Oyo south senatorial district in 2019 and was there till 2023.
He stated in the statement, issued by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the late Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola, that Oba Balogun died barely 72 hours after his two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
According to the younger brother, the late Olubadan was taken to the UCH on Wednesday morning “on account of slight malaria fever.”
The former lawmaker stated: “Barely 72 hours after his two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, bowed out gracefully this evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness.
“Aged 81, the late monarch was taken to the hospital Wednesday morning, having stayed indoor throughout Tuesday on account of slight malaria fever.
“Though, he was hail and hearty on Monday during which he personally received few guests that paid him congratulatory visits on his second year anniversary on that day.”
Senator Kola Balogun further disclosed that Oba Balogun would be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4.00pm today, according to Islamic rites.
He also disclosed that, though the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, had been verbally informed, but he would be formally notified of the passage of the first-class traditional ruler early today.
The late Olubadan was the first most educated to have emerged as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He was a British trained P.hD holder, a former university lecturer, former member of management staff of Shell British Petroleum, former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), former senator and a successful business man.
The late Olubadan had his last official outing at the meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council which he presided over last Saturday.
It was at the meeting that the decision to derobe Chief Olawale Oladoja as the Mogaji Akinsola Family.
On Tuesday, the late Olubadan instructed the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, to midwife a small committee to deliberate on a decision taken last Friday on what should be the position of Ibadan Zone in the proposed newly-reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
As disclosed by the media aide of the late Oba Balogun, the decision of the small committee was earlier on Thursday ratified by the Olubadan Advisory Council at a meeting presided over by Otun Olubadan and the former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
The decision, as ratified, was to be taken to the late Oba Balogun for his signature this morning so as to meet the deadline for submission to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters later in the day.
Oba Lekan Balogun was presented with the Staff of Office by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde at a colourful event held at the historic Mapo Hall on 11 March, 2022.
The late 42nd Olubadan, born on 18 October, 1942, is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.
