Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, will be missed for the peace and tranquillity that was recorded during his reign.
Adeleke also described the late monarch’s passing as devastating, adding that he used the revered stool to promote the unity and progress of the Yoruba race.
The governor, who spoke in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday, also commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-In-Council, the people of Ibadan and the immediate family of Oba Balogun.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Osun state, I extend my heartfelt condolence to the Government of Oyo State and the people of Ibadan on the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, HIM Oba Dr. Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
“Oba Balogun was a great source of inspiration in impactful leadership, and his demise means we’re denied the immense benefits of the quality of his insights, wise counsels, and unrestrained passion for the physical growth of Ibadanland and its people.
“It is my prayer that Eledumare comforts everyone touched by this huge loss and as Yoruba culture infers, may Oba Balogun rest well as he joins his forebears”, the Governor said.
The late Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, reportedly died on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
The late monarch will be interred according to Islamic rites at 4: 00 pm on Friday at his Alli-Iwo residence, Ibadan.