The remains of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, were interred at his Aliiwo ancestral home on Friday at around 4:30 pm. The monarch, who was 81 years old, passed away on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness.
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, led government functionaries and other dignitaries to the family burial ground at Aliiwo in Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state. A lying-in-state took place at Mapo Hall from 12 noon to 1 pm before the remains were moved to Aliwo for burial after prayers.
The burial ceremony adhered to Islamic rites, with the Chief Imam of Ibadan, Shelkh Abdul Ganiyu Agbotomokeke, leading the two-rakat Janazat prayer, an Islamic prayer for the deceased. After the prayers, Balogun’s remains were laid to rest.
Prominent attendees at the event included Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola, former Oyo State Governor Sen. Rashid Ladoja, market men and women, traditionalists, and other dignitaries.
Balogun ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, following the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
