Olubadan's Demise, A Huge National Loss―Hon Tiamy

The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Intervention, Honourable Oloye Suraj Abiodun Tiamy has described one of the frontline Yoruba kings, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan, Late Oba Olalekan Balogun  the second from Alli Okunmade House as a peace enthusiast and a celebrated custodian of the tradition and culture of Ibadan kingdom.

The late Oluabadan, who died days after marking his second year coronation anniversary at the age of 81 in the late hours of Thursday after a brief illness at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Hon Tiamy, in an emotional condolence statement released by his Media and Publicity Assistant, Mr Sanusi Abdullahi Oyelekan in Ibadan on Friday Morning, also commiserated with the Government of Oyo State, the family and the entire people of Ibadan over the monarch's death.

The statement reads: “I am deeply saddened by the shocking passage of our dear father, Late Oba Olalekan Balogun II, who died in the late hours of Thursday at the age of 81 after brief illness.

“I convey my deepest condolences to the Government of Oyo State, the entire Ibadan Council of Obas and his immediate family over the exit of the very distinguished monarch.

“The late Oba Olalekan Balogun was a peace enthusiast and a celebrated custodian of the culture and tradition of this Ibadan kingdom.

“He made history as a traditional ruler with though short but most eventful reign, having been on the throne for 2 years.

“We have indeed lost an icon of culture, tradition and socio-economic development. He stood for equity, fairness, justice and peaceful co-existence. His big shoe will be very difficult to fill. We will continue to celebrate his impactful life.

“I pray may God strengthen his family members, friends, well-wishers and the entire people of Ibadan and by extension Oyo state in this trying time,” Hon Tiamy prayed.