Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, characterized the late Oba Lekan Balogun (Alli Okunmade II), the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as a courteous and intelligent king.
After the burial prayer for the deceased, he made this statement at the late monarch’s Alli Iwo compound in the state capital of Ibadan.
Suleiman Olanrewaju, Makinde’s Special Advisor on Media, said in a statement that the late monarch left behind wonderful memories and legacies about the advancements that brought Ibadanland to life.
Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor also promised that the state government would give the late Oba Balogun a befitting burial.
“We can describe the late monarch in many ways. First, he was one of the few cerebral individuals to become Olubadan of Ibadanland. He was very educated and an intellectual. He took issues intellectually, and for that reason, we know that we have lost a monarch.
“Secondly, he was a politician of note. He was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, and he climbed the ladder to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Moving forward, his legacies and memories will chart a course for us, not only in Ibadanland but in the state and Nigeria.
“He was an amiable man, as we all know. He was very jovial and friendly, and we pray to Almighty Allah that he will meet His creator in peace,” he said.
The governor assured the people that the late monarch would be honoured by the state, saying that the state government will be fully involved in whatever programmes will ensure that he is given a befitting burial.
“Let me assure you on behalf of His Excellency that whatever it will take to give the late monarch a befitting burial, the state government will do it. For now, the Muslim rites have been done, and we believe that, moving forward, whatever programme that will follow will have the involvement of the state government,” he assured.
Makinde also expressed the confidence that with seamlessness in the Olubadan Chieftaincy System, the next Olubadan will step in and take the mantle of leadership to move Ibadanland to its next level.
“Now, the ascension to the throne of Olubadan has always been peaceful and we pray that whoever is coming in as Olubadan of Ibadanland, will take the mantle from where the late Oba Balogun dropped it,” he added.
