President Tinubu, Gov Adeleke, Gov AbdulRazaq, Ooni Ogunwusi Mourn Oba Lekan Balogun’s Passing
President Bola Tinubu on Friday mourned the passing of the late Olubadan of Ibadan land,Oba Lekan Balogun noting that he received the news of his passing with a deep sense of grief.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, noted in a statement he issued in Abuja on Friday that the president commiserated with the family of Olubadan, the government of Oyo state, the Olubadan-in-Council, Oyo state Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland over the loss.
He praised Oba Balogun ‘s remarkable life of service to his people, state, and the nation.
‘His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service to humanity.
He was a 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’ he said.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) ,has also offered his condolences.
‘On behalf of the people of Kwara state, the governor condoles with His Excellency the Oyo state Governor/NGF Vice Chairman, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the people of Ibadan and Oyo state as a whole on the sad development.
The late Olubadan was a man whose place in history is already etched in gold because of not just his quality royal leadership to his people but also for his service to the country as a senator of the Federal Republic’ the governor submitted in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye on Friday.
The governor asked Allaah, the Living and Everlasting, to admit the first- class monarch to Al-jannah Firdaus and strengthen the family and Ibadan community after his demise.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has also described the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland as devastating, saying the late monarch will be missed for the peace and tranquility that his reign witnessed in Ibadan.
Governor Adeleke commiserated with his Oyo state counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan–In–Council, the people of Ibadan and the immediate family of Oba Balogun, while noting that the late Ibadan monarch used his revered throne to promote unity and progress of the Yoruba race.
He added that Oba Balogun was a highly respected monarch, who served the people of Ibadan with passion and honour, adding that his exit to the great beyond will leave a void in Ibadan for years to come.
‘On behalf of the Government and the people of Osun state, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government of Oyo state and the people of Ibadan on the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, HIM, Oba Dr. Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunade II.
Oba Balogun was a great source of inspiration in impactful leadership, and his demise means we’re denied the immense benefits of the quality of his insights, wise counsels and unrestrained passion for the physical growth of Ibadanland and its people.
It is my prayer that Eledumare comforts everyone touched by this huge loss and as Yoruba culture infers, may Oba Balogun rest well as he joins his forebears’ the governor submitted in a statement isud by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed which was made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Friday.
Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II, has also described the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun as a glorious exit not unexpected for a great leader who had lived his life enviably well for his people while calling Oba Balogun’s demise a colossal loss to Ibadanland and the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com submitted that Oba Balogun was not just a monarch but a beacon of wisdom, unity, and progress who had worked meritoriously all his life to gain all achievements he had recorded for himself as a businessman, politician, public servant and as traditional ruler of the biggest city in West Africa.
‘Throughout his reign, he tirelessly worked towards the betterment of his people, embodying the essence of leadership with grace and dignity, his wisdom, counsel, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his subjects earned him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Olubadan’s passing is not only a loss for his family and the people of Ibadan but also to the people of Oyo state and the entire Oduduwa family members globally. His contribution to the socio-economic and cultural development of the region are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come’ he said.
Ooni Ogunwusi ,who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN), prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Ibadan monarch, commiserating with his subjects and family while urging sustenance of his legacy of peace making, unity, programmmes and compassion.
‘On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and on behalf of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) of which His Majesty, late Oba Lekan Balogun was a leading member, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late Olubadan, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Government, people of Oyo state, and the entire Ibadan community both at home and in the diaspora. We share your grief during this difficult time and stand in solidarity with you as you mourn the loss of a true visionary leader. May the gentle soul of this great icon of Oodua royalty rest eternally on the right hand of the Almighty Olodumare’ Ooni Ogunwusi submitted-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
