Oyo vows to bury Olubadan in a respectable manner.

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, characterized the late Oba Lekan Balogun (Alli Okunmade II), the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as a courteous and intelligent king.

After the funeral prayer for the deceased, he made this statement at the late monarch’s Alli Iwo compound in the state capital of Ibadan.

Suleiman Olanrewaju, Makinde’s Special Advisor on Media, said in a statement that the late monarch left behind wonderful memories and legacies regarding the developments that brought Ibadanland to life.

The governor, represented by his debuty- Bayo Lawal, further pledged that the state government would provide the late Oba Balogun with a befitting burial.

He said, “We can describe the late monarch in many ways. First, he was one of the few cerebral individuals to become Olubadan of Ibadanland. He was very educated and an intellectual. He took issues intellectually, and for that reason, we know that we have lost a monarch.

“Secondly, he was a politician of note. He was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, and he climbed the ladder to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Moving forward, his legacies and memories will chart a course for us, not only in Ibadanland but in the state and Nigeria.

“He was an amiable man, as we all know. He was very jovial and friendly, and we pray to Almighty Allah that he will meet His creator in peace.”

The governor promised the populace that the late monarch would receive honors from the state and that the state government would fully participate in any initiatives that would guarantee he is buried in a manner worthy of his memory.

Assuring the people, Bayo Lawal said, “Let me assure you on behalf of His Excellency that whatever it will take to give the late monarch a befitting burial, the state government will do it. For now, the Muslim rites have been done, and we believe that, moving forward, whatever programme that will follow will have the involvement of the state government.”

Makinde also expressed optimism that the Olubadan Chieftaincy System will continue to operate smoothly and that the following Olubadan will assume the mantle of leadership to elevate Ibadanland to new heights.

“Now, the ascension to the throne of Olubadan has always been peaceful and we pray that whoever is coming in as Olubadan of Ibadanland, will take the mantle from where the late Oba Balogun dropped it.”