Onyendu Ndigbo, Obi mourns Oba Balogun

The Onyendu Ndigbo (Igbo Leader), of Ibadanland and Oyo State, High Chief Alloy Obi, has mourned the demise of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on Thursday.

Obi in a statement he personally signed, while joining all Ibadan indigenes and residents, royal family, Olubadan in Council, Council of Chiefs and Oyo State government, to mourn the passage of the first class monarch, said the death of Oba Balogun, is a great loss to the people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

He said the death of the revered traditional ruler coming at this time is a rude shock as he was a lover of peace who discharged his responsibilities as the Olubadan of Ibadanland with the love of his people at heart.

While praying for the repose of the soul of Oba Balogun, he said though his tenure was short, his impactful reign of service for the betterment of Ibadanland and humanity would continue to be a reference in the ancient city.

The statement read in part, “The news of the death of our royal father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, came to me as a rude shock.

“His exit at this time when his wealth of experience and wisdom for the growth and development of Ibadanland is needed is painful to say the least as he served Ibadanland with all he his heart.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Ibadanland, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss him.

“On behalf of every Igbo resident in Ibadanland and Oyo State, I commiserate with all Ibadan indigenes both at home and in Diaspora, the immediate family of Oba Balogun, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Olubadan in Council and Governor Seyi Makinde, on the passage unto glory of our royal father.”