15th March, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The remains of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Olakekan Balogun was on Friday buried amidst tributes and eulogies.
Balogun died on Thursday at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital at the age of 81 years after having spent about two years on the throne.
The monarch was buried in accordance with Islamic rites. A large crowd witnessed his burial, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal.
The Olubadan was buried at the family burial ground at Aliiwo in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
The Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, led Islamic leaders to conduct burial arrangements and prayers on the remains of Balogun.
Earlier, tributes had poured in for the late monarch from across Nigeria.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Oba Balogun’s death as a great loss to the people of Ibadan and the traditional institution in Oyo State.
“The passing of Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun is an end to a glorious era and remarkable reign of an outstanding traditional ruler in Oyo State, Yorubaland. His death is a great loss to the people of Ibadan and he will be greatly missed.
“Oba Balogun made lots of positive impact during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of Ibadan the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said the late traditional leader was a socialist as a politician, and that even when he ascended the throne, he did not betray his beliefs in putting the interests of the people first.
“The deceased Olubadan will be sorely missed for his wisdom and strategic thinking,” he said.