Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr Mohood Lekan Balogun CFR Alli Okunmade II, lived a fulfilled life.
He added that the late first class traditional ruler would be fondly remembered for his contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State.
The governor stated this at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday, at the State Burial organised in honour of the late Oba Balogun who represented Oyo Central District in the Senate between 1999 and 2003.
He eulogised the late traditional ruler for working with the state government to achieve what he described as the seamless review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2023.
The governor equally condoled with the family of Oba Dr Balogun and the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, urging them to take solace in the good life led by the late Olubadan.
“So, I want to once again thank you all and to console the family. We all lost baba but we should take solace in the fact that baba lived a very fulfilled life,” the governor said.
Makinde added that the successful review of the Oyo State Chiefs Law in 2023 will enable the government to install the next Olubadan soon.
He disclosed that the state government has accepted the recommendation of Olubadan-Elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, by the Olubadan-in-Council.
Makinde said: “One thing I want us to take home today is that Kabiyesi Lekan Balogun and I did what people thought Napoleon could not do.
“The Executive Arm of government and the Legislature, on the 26th of May, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy Law of Oyo State so that the governor does not need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the declaration of traditional rulers.
“Kabiyesi Olubadan and I amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who are yet to see the document can go and look for it to confirm. That is the declaration to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. Oba Olakulehin would be enthroned soon, because due process has been followed.”
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, extolled the virtues of Oba Balogun, describing him as an intellectual and a patriot.
She praised the dedication and commitment of the late Ibadan foremost traditional ruler to the progress and growth of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Balogun Family, younger brother to the late monarch, who also served as Senator representing Oyo South District between 2019 and 2023, Dr Kola Balogun, lauded Governor Makinde for his support for the late Olubadan and his family as well as the befitting burial given to the deceased royal father.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and his wife, Mrs Ajibola Lawal; Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Akinniyi Akintola; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.
Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai; General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, traditional leaders, religious leaders and captains of industries were also in attendance.
