How Olubadan Breathed His Last As Kingmakers Wait For Him To Sign On Important Document
New details have emerged regarding the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed away on Thursday night, merely 72 hours after marking his second year on the throne as a first-class monarch.
The monarch’s demise occurred precisely at 9:05 pm at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, following a brief illness. Oba Balogun had been admitted to the hospital on Wednesday morning due to a slight malaria fever.
It was learned that the monarch had remained indoors throughout Tuesday due to the fever, although he was in good health on Monday, during which he received a few guests who came to offer their congratulations on his second year anniversary.
According to family sources, the late Olubadan will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Aliiwo by 4 PM on Friday, March 15, following Islamic rites.
His last official engagement was presiding over the Olubadan Advisory Council’s meeting the previous Saturday, during which the decision to derobe Mogaji Akinsola, Olawale Oladoja, was made.
On Tuesday, the monarch instructed the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, to convene a small committee to deliberate on the position of Ibadan Zone in the proposed newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The decision of this committee was ratified on Thursday at a meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council, presided over by Otun Olubadan and former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja. The decision was to be presented to the late Oba Balogun for his signature on Friday morning to meet the deadline for submission to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters later in the day.
The late Olubadan will be remembered as the most educated individual to ascend to the Ibadan monarchy, holding a Ph.D. from a British institution. He served as a university lecturer, held management positions at Shell British Petroleum, contested as a gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), served as a Senator, and was a successful businessman.
He is survived by wives, children, and grandchildren.
