Olubadan’s Death A Painful Loss To Me–Makinde

Olubadan’s Death A Painful Loss To Me–Makinde

The Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde has declared that the death of late Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun was a painful loss to him.

Highlighting the critical role played by the monarch to resolve the crisis that preceded the late monarch’s emergence as the 42 Olubadan of Ibadanland, Makinde stated that Oba Balogun brought stability to the traditional institution of Ibadan.

The Governor stated this at the Alarere residence of the late monarch on Thursday March 21 during his visit to the deceased family.

Makinde was received by the Alli-Iwo family including wives and children of the late Olubadan as well as the ‘Babakekere’ of the Alli-Iwo family, Senator Kola Balogun.

The governor, who assured of his involvement in the ‘8 Day Fidau’ prayer for the late monarch promised that the state government would be fully involved in the burial arrangement after Ramadan to ensure the late monarch received a befitting burial.

The governor who disclosed that if money could keep Oba Balogun alive, he would still be alive because he directed the University College Hospital (UCH) to provide the best medical care for the late Olubadan adding that his transition to the afterlife was entirely an act of God.

He therefore declared that contrary to mourning the deceased, the family and the entire people of Ibadanland should rather celebrate the life of the departed king having achieved so much in his lifetime and eventually sat on the throne of his forebears before his passing.

When Kabiyesi (king) was admitted at the University College Hospital, I was in touch with the doctors, and I sent them a message that whatever they could do to keep baba alive, please, do it. Again, we can only propose only God disposes so, I believe they gave Kabiyesi utmost care in such situation.” Makinde said

The Governor stated further that his relationship with the late Olubadan transcended the political landscape. He made references to their shared connections with Shell Company, a multinational oil and gas company and how late Oba Balogun would joke about their shared memories stressing that it was that past that formed the foundation of their relationship.

While commiserating with the wives and children of the late Olubadan, Makinde stressed the need for unity within the family noting that except there was a crack in the wall, it would be impossible for an intruder or outsider to break their shared family bond.

“This is not the time for us to mourn, it’s actually the time for us to celebrate the life of Kabiyesi and his contributions to the development of Oyo state and Ibadanland particularly the Ibadan traditional institution. If you all recalled, before baba became the Olubadan, we had serious issues, Oba Amidu Ajibade can also bear witness to this, the traditional institution in Ibadan was falling into pieces.

“In fact it got to a point I said the crowns you accepted had to be dropped, we would rearrange it later, It was painful, and I told Kabiyesi that you were the next in line to be the Olubadan but if you failed to withdraw the case instituted in court, I wouldn’t sign. And so, we were able to resolve the issue, that is why Kabiyesi’s death was very painful to me because this is a period that he had brought about stability to the Ibadan traditional institution.

“And I was looking forward to that continued stability and when the CCII people came to me that they wanted Kabiyesi to be the first to occupy the new palace at Oke-are I said look, whatever you need, forget what government could do, even me, personally, whatever I can do to fast track this, I will do it but we can only plan as humans the final call belongs to the Almighty God.” Makinde added.

Earlier, some of the family members who spoke on behalf the Alli-Iwo family expressed their appreciations to the Governor for the governor’s love and support towards their father, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland and the throne particularly the infrastructural development in Ibadan and the expedited works at the new Olubadan’s palace at Oke-are.

Former Oyo Head of Service, Tajudeen Aremu, who spoke on behalf of the Alli-Iwo family praised Makinde for his leadership style and approach saying the governor’s aggressive infrastructural drive has reshaped the economic landscape of the state and appealed to the Governor to sustain the love and support for the family even after the passing of the late Olubadan.