Eminent Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have mourned the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, the late Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade Il, who died on Thursday, March 14, 2024, expressing their condolences to the monarch’s family.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Ajuri Ngelale, the president received the news of the late monarch with a deep sense of grief.”
The statement reads, “The President condoles with the family of the Olubadan, the government of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State over this gaping loss.
“President Tinubu mourns the Olubadan, yet celebrates his remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.
“His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity. He was compassionate, courageous, and an unrelenting advocate of the pristine ideals of peace, honesty, and unity. His wise counsel will be sorely missed at this time in the life of our country,” the President says.
“President Tinubu urges all who are in mourning to find solace in the immortal legacies of the Olubadan, stating that the Olubadan lives eternally in his good deeds and the memories of everyone touched by the majesty of his essence.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those mourning this sad loss.”
DDescribing the death of the monarch as a personal loss to him, the people of Ibadan land, Oyo State, and Nigeria, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), sons and daughters of Ibadanland, the immediate family of Oba Balogun, and the Ali-Iwo compound of Ibadan.
The Minister stated that since Oba Balogun mounted the throne of his forefathers, he had worked with relevant stakeholders including the State Government, CCII, and other well-meaning Nigerians to facilitate meaningful development in Ibadanland.
Adelabu described the late Olubadan as a rare gem who lived an exemplary and accomplished life saying, “Though painfully short-lived, his lifetime successes as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, rise to career peak in the corporate world, and as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a feat that could only be achieved by a few.”
He said, “My heartfelt condolences go to the immediate family and the entire Ali-Iwo compound on the shocking demise of our highly revered Royal father. His transition came as a rude shock to me and the entire Ibadanland especially when one considers his unwavering commitment to human and community developments, we will surely miss his Royal guidance and fatherly advice”.
Praying to the Almighty Allah to grant peaceful repose to the soul of the highly revered monarch in Aljanah Firdaus. Adelabu noted, “His uncommon impact in the lives of the people will continue to leave an indelible imprint.”
Florence Ajimobi, wife of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. the former, two-term Governor of Oyo State, has expressed deep sadness over the unexpected transition of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Mahoud Olalekan Balogun who died on Thursday at 81.
In a condolence message signed by Mrs Ajimobi, who is also the President of the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF), she said the Olubadan’s death came as a shock coming at a most unexpected time.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, described the monarch, as a glorious exit not unexpected for a great leader who had lived his life enviably well for his people, calling the death a colossal loss to Ibadanland and the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
Speaking through a Press Statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni said Oba Balogun was not just a monarch but was a beacon of wisdom, unity, and progress who had worked meritoriously all his life to gain all achievements he had recorded for himself as a businessman, politician, public servant and finally as traditional ruler of the biggest city in West Africa.
He said, “Throughout his reign, he tirelessly worked towards the betterment of his people, embodying the essence of leadership with grace and dignity, his wisdom, counsel, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his subjects earned him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him. The Olubadan’s passing is not only a loss for his family and the people of Ibadan but also to the people of Oyo State and the entire Oduduwa family members globally. His contributions to the socio-economic and cultural development of the region are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Oba Ogunwusi prayed for the soul of the late Ibadan monarch, commiserating with his subjects and family, urging for the sustenance of his legacy of peace makingpeace-making, unity, program, and compassion praying for an eternal rest of his soul.
“On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and on behalf of the National Council Of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) of which His Majesty, late Oba Lekan Balogun was a leading member. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late Olubadan, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Government, people of Oyo State, and the entire Ibadan community both at home and in the diaspora”, he said.
“We share in your grief during this difficult time and stand in solidarity with you as you mourn the loss of a true visionary leader. May the gentle soul of this great icon of Oodua royalty rest eternally on the right hand of the Almighty Olodumare.” Ooni concluded.
Also, the Senator representing Oyo Central on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Yunus Akintunde has stated that the announcement of Late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Mahoud Balogun on Thursday was received with rude shock adding that he would forever miss the wise counsel, love and affection of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a media release by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Kunle Olatunji, Dr Yunus Akintunde described the late monarch as a unifier, experienced, and, affectionate father whose wise counsel and rich values of culture will be sorely missed.
Akintunde stated, “In fact, I have lost a father with whom I have so much respect and admiration beyond description. My deep relationship with Kabiyesi dated back a long while before his ascension to the exalted throne of Olubadan.
“I cherished every moment I spent with him especially his wise counsel and admonition whenever I needed such fatherly support and he was ever willing to accommodate me like a biological son.
“I commiserate with the good people and government of Oyo State especially the indigenes of Ibadan land on the passage of His Imperial Majesty Oba Olalekan Mahoud Balogun.
“His reign though quite short, just about two years after his coronation would be remembered as one of the finest moments in the history of Ibadan. Quite remarkable with glamour and memorable progress and reforms in the traditional institution of Ibadan Land.
“I also commiserate with his immediate family members and the Olubadan in council on this sad incidence and pray that the Almighty God give us all the fortitude to bear the pains of the passage of our beloved Monarch, Father, and Leader”.
“Coincidentally, he once represented the good people of Oyo Central Senatorial District at the Senate, the position in which I am currently serving as a Senator, we will sorely miss Baba, an extraordinary and exceptional leader and Monarch.
“Truly an Iroko has fallen and Ibadan, Oyo State, the Nation Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a fine traditional ruler who will be sorely missed. May his great soul rest on with his forefathers”.
Furthermore, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has expressed her condolences over the death of Oba Balogun, whose service to humanity she described as exceptional.
Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, in a statement signed by herself, on Friday, described the late Olubadan as an exceptional king in the service of humanity.
The statement partly reads, “His Majesty peacefully departed this world at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of honor, wisdom, and service”.
“I extend my deepest condolences and heart heartfelt sympathy to the immediate family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, the people of Ibadan Land, and indeed the entire state”.
“Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun was a distinguished monarch, revered for his unwavering dedication to the progress and prosperity of Ibadan Land. His reign was marked by remarkable and steadfast leadership, earning him the respect and admiration of his subjects and peers alike”.
“During this time of mourning, let us honor the memory of His Imperial Majesty by reflecting on his contributions to the community and the values of unity, tradition, and progress that he held dear”.
“May the soul of Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come”.
