The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, passed away at the age of 90, drawing a wave of tributes from prominent Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. The respected monarch, who ascended the throne in March 2022, died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, following a brief illness.
President Tinubu described Oba Balogun as a wise and progressive leader who left an indelible mark on traditional leadership. He praised the late monarch’s commitment to peace and development, stating that the country has lost a valuable custodian of culture and unity.
In their separate condolence messages, the Sultan of Sokoto and Emir of Ilorin also expressed deep sorrow, extolling the late Olubadan’s wisdom, humility, and lifelong service to humanity. They prayed for his soul to rest in peace and urged the people of Ibadanland to remain united in this period of grief.
Oba Balogun, a former senator and academic, was widely respected for his intellectual depth and traditional wisdom. His reign was marked by a push for cultural pride, unity, and socio-economic advancement in Ibadan and beyond.
