The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II, is reported to have joined his ancestors after two years on the throne. He died at the age of 81 on Thursday night, March 14th, shortly after his admission at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, for an unknown ailment.

Born in 1942, Oba Balogun served as a senator representing the Oyo Senatorial District during the Fourth Republic from 1999 to 2003. He became the 42nd ruler on March 11, 2022, following the passing of Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Oguguniso III, who had reigned since March 4, 2016, and also passed away on January 2, 2022.

The burial rites for the late Olubadan started on Friday afternoon, March 15th, with the monarch’s remains moved from the palace to the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan for lying-in-state. The lying-in-state started from noon to 1 pm before the remains were moved to Aliwo for burial after prayers.

After the traditional 21 days of mourning, the official announcement of the next Olubadan of Ibadan Land, who is next in line, will be made. This announcement will involve Oba Owolabi Olakulehin from the Mogaji Akere family, the current Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan.

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