The lateOlubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, will be buried today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, according to Islamic rites.
The monarch, who reigned for two years, died late Thursday evening at the age of 81 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after a brief illness.
The announcement of the burial arrangements was made by the late monarch’s younger brother, Kola Balogun, who holds the title of Baba-Kekere Olubadan.
The statement was made available to journalists by the deceased’s personal assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola.
According to Ogunsola, the burial ceremony will commence at 4 pm today, with the remains of Oba Balogun laid to rest at his ancestral home.
While the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been verbally informed, formal notification will be provided early Friday morning.
Just 72 hours before his passing, the monarch celebrated his second anniversary.
Despite being admitted to the hospital on Wednesday morning due to a slight malaria fever, Oba Balogun had appeared to be in good health earlier in the week.
The late Olubadan was a British-trained Ph.D. holder, former university lecturer, former member of the management staff of Shell British Petroleum, former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, former Senator, and successful businessman.
His last official engagement was presiding over the Olubadan Advisory Council meeting the previous Saturday.
During this meeting, decisions were made, including the disrobing of Mogaji Akinsola Oladoja.
Additionally, on Tuesday, Oba Balogun instructed the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, to lead a small committee to deliberate on the position of Ibadan Zone in the proposed newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The decisions reached by the small committee were approved by the Olubadan Advisory Council on Thursday, under the leadership of Otun Olubadan and former Governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
These decisions were to be presented to the late Oba Balogun for his signature on Friday morning before submission to the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters.
The late Olubadan is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren.