In a somber turn of events, the vibrant city of Ibadan mourns the loss of its revered leader, Oba Olalekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan. At the age of 81, the monarch breathed his last on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State. Oladele Ogunsola, the media aide of the late monarch, confirmed his demise, stating that Oba Balogun succumbed to a brief illness shortly after being admitted to the hospital.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the community, as just days before, Oba Balogun had been in good spirits, personally receiving well-wishers on the occasion of his second-year anniversary on the throne. According to his younger brother, Kola Balogun, the monarch had only been admitted to the hospital for what seemed like a minor ailment—a “slight malaria fever.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State paid tribute to the late monarch, referring to him as “a mighty Iroko,” acknowledging the significant impact Oba Balogun had made during his short but impactful reign. Makinde’s statement expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland, while also praying for the repose of the late monarch’s soul.
Oba Olalekan Balogun ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, succeeding Oba Saliu Adetunji, who had passed away earlier that year. Despite his relatively brief tenure, Oba Balogun left an indelible mark on the history and heritage of Ibadanland. His coronation had been a momentous occasion, marked by the endorsement of the Ibadan high chiefs and the presentation of the staff of office.
The late monarch’s funeral arrangements are underway, with plans for his burial scheduled for Friday evening at his ancestral home in Aliiwo, Ibadan, following Islamic rites.
As Ibadan mourns the loss of a visionary leader, Oba Olalekan Balogun’s legacy will continue to be remembered and cherished by generations to come.
