Iroko Tree Falls: Makinde Declares Olubadan's Passing -

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced on Thursday the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II. The governor conveyed this news in a statement issued on Thursday night, revealing that Olubadan Balogun transitioned late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Governor Makinde hailed Oba Dr. Balogun as an embodiment of royal excellence and a remarkable achiever who left an indelible mark on Ibadanland during his relatively brief reign of just over two years.

Expressing his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, Governor Makinde prayed for the departed monarch’s soul to find eternal rest.

“With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland,” said Governor Makinde. “A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. Balogun has joined the ancestors. In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.”

“On behalf of the Government and good People of Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch,” he added.

Family sources indicated that the Olubadan would be laid to rest by 4 p.m. today.