Tragedy struck on Thursday night as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, died at the age of 81.
Oba Balogun, who is the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan, died at University College Hospital, Ibadan a few hours after he was admitted for treatment.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Sulaimon Olarewaju, confirmed the king’s death in a statement.
He noted that Oba Balogun contributed significantly to Ibadanland during his brief reign of just over two years.
Makinde described the late monarch as a towering figure akin to an Iroko tree, extending his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
He further prayed for the peaceful repose of Oba Balogun’s soul and acknowledged his enduring legacy as a beacon of royal excellence and accomplishment.
Balogun, who represented Oyo central senatorial district between 1999 and 2003, was born in 1942 and was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Adetunji, 93, died on January 2, 2022 after reigning from March 4, 2016.
With its unique ascension system, Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan, who is next on the ascendancy line, will be officially announced after 21 days of mourning as the new Olubadan.
JUST IN: Olubadan Dies After 2 Years On Throne is first published on The Whistler Newspaper