There have been controversies as to the real Islamic name of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli-Okunmade II. What people used to know as the Olubadan’s Islamic name was Moshood. But when preparation for the coronation was in top gear, ‘Mohood’ or ‘Mahood’ instead of ‘Moshood’ surfaced on banners and billboards done by prominent well-wishers to rejoice with the new Olubadan. Some people, including Yours Sincerely, said it was an error to write Mohood as Olubadan’s real name was Moshood.
However, two events made it necessary to dig deep into the real name of the new Olubadan. One, banners and billboards erected at Alli-Iwo read Mohood as the Olubadan’s Islamic name. Two, during the coronation speech made by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Governor called Oba Lekan Balogun’s islamic name as Mohood. These two events point to the fact that those writing Mohood seemed not to be wrong.
In an effort to dig deep to confirm what Oba Lekan Balogun’s islamic name is, Yours Sincerely spoke with somebody who appeared to know some bits about the new Olubadan. According to the source, he claimed that the real Islamic name of Oba Lekan Balogun is Mohood. He told a story as he also heard it to buttress his claim.
Oba Lekan Balogun’s father was a pious Muslim, knowledgeable and fluent in Arabic recitation of the glorious Quran. One day, Oba Balogun’s father was said to be reciting Suratul Buruj, Quran 85. Then, the Olubadan’s mother was carrying his pregnancy and it had reached the period delivery should take place. While Oba Balogun’s father was said to be reciting Surat Buruj: Wassamaaa’i zaatil burooj
Wal yawmil maw’ood, it was when he pronounced … maw’ood … that news came to him that his wife had been delivered of a boy. Baba sent profuse thanks and praises to Allah and he said the baby would be named ‘Maw’ood’ meaning Adehun (Promise).
If the story as narrated to me was true, it is therefore correct that ‘Maw’ood’ wrongly written as ‘Mohood’ is Oba Lekan Balogun’s islamic name. And, according to the said meaning of Maw’ood which is Adehun or Promise, Allah has fulfilled His promise that Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli-Okunmade II would become Olubadan of Ibadanland.
May the new Olubadan of Ibadanland live long and in excellent health.
