The Nigerian former Ambassador to the Philippines stated this in his condolences message to the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-In-Council and the family of the late traditional ruler.
The respected figure in broadcast journalism and a seasoned administrator said he was particularly sad because Yorubaland has lost an educated and great Olubadan with the death of Oba Lekan Balogun.
He stated that the late Olubadan combined political experience with academic exposure, business acumen, social and international exposure and personal charm and dignity in optimal proportions more any other previous occupant of the throne.
“I am particularly sad today because a great Yoruba oba, a focused educated and great Olubadan has passed away.
“This great Olubadan combined political experience, academic exposure, business acumen and experience, social and international exposure, and personal charm and dignity in optimal proportions more than anyone who had sat on the throne.
“His intellectual alertness made him stand out. His witty, amiable and friendly made him outstanding.
“I am particularly saddened that he didn’t live a few weeks more to commission the new ultramodern new palace for Olubadan, a project that was dear to his heart, the completion of which the incumbent Executive of CCII must be celebrated.
“We have lost an Olubadan that was totally committed to the repositioning of Ibadan to its eminent position as the intellectual, academic, creative, artistic capital of Nigeria,” he stated.
Farounbi further stated that the death of Oba Balogun was a personal loss to him, describing the deceased as a father, brother, friend, colleague and an associate.
“I have personally lost a great Oba, a father, a brother, a friend, a colleague and an associate.
“I sympathise with Olubadan-in-Council, his family, the good people of Ibadan, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and the great people of Oyo State.
“We all must be consoled by the fact this great Olubadan lived a good life and added excellent values to Nigeria.
