BREAKING: Olubadan of Ibadanland laid to rest

The remains of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday afternoon laid to rest at his Aliwo ancestral family home.

The late monarch, who reigned for two years, joined his ancestors at the age of 81 on Thursday night at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after a brief illness.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere led the Muslim faithful to pray for the late monarch before he was interned.

Dignitaries at the event include the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal who led executives of the Oyo state government, Elder Wole Oyelese, Alhaji Daud Akinola and junior brother of the deceased, Kola Balogun among others.

‘He Was Courageous’: Tinubu Mourns Olubadan Of Ibadanland

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesman, President Tinubu described the late Olubadan as a courageous man who stood for peace.

“His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity,” Tinubu was quoted as saying on Friday.

“He was compassionate, courageous, and an unrelenting advocate of the pristine ideals of peace, honesty, and unity. His wise counsel will be sorely missed at this time in the life of our country.”

The president condoled with the family of the Olubadan, the government of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State “over this gaping loss”.

He, however, called on those mourning to take solace in what he described as “the immortal legacies of the Olubadan”.

Tinubu said the Olubadan lives eternally in his good deeds and in the memories of everyone touched by the majesty of his essence.

“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those mourning this sad loss,” the statement read.