The announcement of the transition of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Mahood Balogun yesterday was received with rude shock and a heavy heart. I will personally miss his wise counsel, love and affection.
This was captured in an emotion laden words of commiserations personally signed by Senator Yunus Akintunde.
In a release by Kunle Olatunji his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity when the news of the passage of Olubadan was announced, Dr. Yunus Akintunde representing Oyo Central Senatorial District described the late monarch as a unifier, experienced and affectionate father whose wise counsel and rich values of culture will be sorely missed.
“In fact I have lost a father with whom I have so much respect and admiration beyond description. My deep relationship with Kabiyesi dated back a long while before his ascension to the exalted throne of Olubadan”.
“I cherished every moment I spent with him especially his wise counsel and admonition whenever I had need for such fatherly support and he was ever willing to accommodate me like a biological son”.
“I commiserate with the good people and government of Oyo State especially the indigenes of Ibadan land on the passage of His Imperial Majesty Oba Olalekan Mahoud Balogun”.
“His reign though quite short, just about two years after his coronation would be remembered as one of the finest moments in the history of Ibadan. Quite remarkable with glamour and memorable progress and reforms in the traditional institution of Ibadan Land”.
“I also commiserate with his immediate family members and the Olubadan in council on this sad incidence and pray that the Almighty God give us all the fortitude to bear the pains of the beloved Monarch, Father and Leader”.
“Truly an Iroko has fallen and Ibadan, Oyo State , the Nation Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a fine traditional ruler who will be sorely missed. May his great soul rest on with his fore fathers”. He concluded.
