- Governor: late monarch restored stability to Ibadan chieftaincy system
Ibadan indigenes and residents yesterday mourned the late Olubadan Oba Lekan Balogun, as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former governor Rashidi Ladoja and some members of the Olubadan-in-Council paid condolence visit to the Alarere, Ibadan home of the late monarch.
While the governor led other top government functionaries on the visit, Senator Ladoja led some members of the council during the separate visit to the palace.
The Ladoja team arrived and left the palace before the arrival of the governor.
Makinde hailed the contributions of the late Olubadan to the stability of the Ibadan traditional system, saying the monarch also contributed to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
Reiterating that the state government would give Oba Balogun a befitting burial, Makinde said the government had already approved funds for the fidau for the late Oba and would also do the needful at the appropriate time when he is to be given a state burial.
Makinde was received by the late monarch’s younger brother, Senator Kola Balogun; wives of Oba Balogun, Olori Olayinka, Olori Olufumilayo and Olori Kalimat and some members of Alli Iwo family.
He described Oba Balogun as a simple and jovial person, who contributed to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State.
Lamenting how painful his demise was to him, the governor noted that the monarch, who contributed positively to the stability of Ibadan traditional system, should be celebrated rather than being mourned.
He urged the family of the monarch to remain united, promising to always do the needful as the situation arises.
Makinde said: “When Baba was admitted in hospital, I was in touch with the doctors. I told them that they should try their best to keep Baba alive. I believe they gave Kabiyesi the utmost care in that situation, but we can only propose, but God disposes.
“A lot of people may not know how close we used to be. Our relationship was beyond politics. But let me say that this is not the time for us to mourn but to celebrate the life of Baba and his contribution to Ibadanland, the traditional institution and Oyo State.
“If you recall, we had serious issues with our traditional institution before his ascension to the throne of Olubadan. Things were falling apart and it was painful. So, I told Baba as the next Olubadan then that he should withdraw the case in court so that I could sign. All of that happened and we were able to resolve the matter. This is why his death is painful to me.
Read Also: Olubadan: Makinde, Ladoja, others pay condolence visit to late Oba Balogun’s family
“He died at a period he had brought peace and stability to the traditional institution in Ibadanland, and I was looking forward to the continued stability. But as humans, we can only plan. The final call belongs to the Almighty.
“This morning, I immediately approved funds for the fidau programme because he is my Baba as well and we will do everything to give Baba a befitting burial.
“I want to urge the family to stay united, because when there is unity, it will allow us to channel our energy to make progress. I want to assure you that in my capacity as the governor of this state, I will do everything to support the family.
“We should even be happy Baba left in this Holy month and that, in itself, has a deep meaning. So, let us accept his passing as the will of God, because I know God has been gracious unto Kabiyesi.”
Earlier in his welcome address, a former state Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, on behalf of Alli Iwo family, appreciated the visit of Governor Makinde, affirming that the governor was so supportive to the late monarch during his life.
Speaking on behalf of the immediate family, the first daughter of Oba Balogun, Mrs. Funmilayo Osinowo, expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the late monarch while he was alive. She called for more support to the family after his death.
Special prayer was offered for the soul of the late Oba by the Chaplain of Government House, Pastor Layi Adisa and the Special Assistant to the governor on Islamic Affairs, Imam Rasheed Azeez.