The remains of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, have been buried, after lying-in-state at the Mapo Hall in the ancient city with thousands of mourners filing past his casket.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, took charge as he led Islamic leaders in coordinating the burial arrangements and offering prayers for the late monarch.
Former Oyo State’s Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is also the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, led members of the Olubadan-in-Council to the burial.
The late Olubadan was interred at his family’s Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan around 4.30pm on Friday.
Oba Balogun, who reigned for two years, died at the age of 81 on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness.
Oyo State’s Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal led other government functionaries to the family burial ground at Aliiwo in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
The lying-in-state was held at the Mapo Hall from 12 noon to 1pm before the remains of the monarch were moved to Aliwo for burial after prayers.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of the late Olubadan.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Anuri Ngelale, condoled with the family of the Olubadan, the government of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State over this gaping loss.
Tinubu celebrated the monarch’s remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.
He said: “His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity. He was 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.”