Indigenes and residents of Ibadan, as well as thousands of Yoruba both at home and abroad, have begun to mourn the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died Thursday evening, March 14, 2024, at the University College Hospital in Ibadan. This article discusses the Monarch’s life, career, and untimely death.
Oba Lekan Balogun Biography
Oba Lekan Balogun’s political journey traversed various echelons, from his aspirations as a presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (S.D.P.) to his gubernatorial bid with the People’s Democratic Party (P.D.P.) in Oyo State within the current political milieu.
During the Fourth Republic, Oba Lekan Balogun served as a distinguished senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the Oyo Central senatorial district with honor and dedication.
Throughout his tenure as a senator from 1999 to 2003, Oba Lekan Balogun held significant positions, notably chairing the Senate Committee on National Planning and contributing actively to various committees such as Appropriations, Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs, and Defence (Army).
Before his illustrious political career, Oba Lekan Balogun established himself as a reputable figure in academia, having served as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and as an editor for the influential monthly magazine, The Nigerian Pathfinder.
Additionally, he lent his expertise to the media industry, serving as a director at Triumph Newspaper in Kano and contributing as a management consultant for esteemed multinational organizations including Leyland, Exide Battery, and Nigerian Breweries.
Oba Lekan Balogun’s professional journey also included a significant tenure at Shell British Petroleum Company, where he ascended to the role of Administrator/Head, overseeing crucial departments such as Industrial Relations, Recruitment and Scholarships, and Planning and Development.
As a prolific writer and thinker, Oba Lekan Balogun contributed extensively to the intellectual discourse of his time, publishing insightful works such as “A Review of Nigeria’s 4 years’ Development Plan, 1970–1974,” “Social Justice or Doom,” “Power for Sale,” and “Arrogance of Power.”
Oba Lekan Balogun’s deep ties to his ancestral land were evident in his traditional roles, notably serving as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, one of the foremost traditional chiefs in the revered Ibadanland community.
In a momentous occasion, Oba Lekan Balogun was crowned as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on March 11, 2022, a testament to his enduring commitment to his people and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The life and legacy of Oba Lekan Balogun are characterized by a remarkable blend of academic prowess, political acumen, and cultural stewardship, leaving an indelible imprint on the collective memory of Nigeria and beyond.
Oba Lekan Balogun Cause Of Death
Oba Lekan Balogun died on Thursday evening, 14th, March 2024, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State after a brief illness.
Oba Lekan Balogun Date of Birth
He was born on 18th October, 1942 in Ibadan and died on 14th March, 2024 at the age of 81.
How old is Owolabi Olakulehin?
Owolabi Olakulehin Age: 75 Years
Oba Lekan Balogun Family
Oba Lekan Balogun was a Muslim and was married to two wives with children.
Lekan Balogun Education
Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun entered the world on October 18, 1942, hailing from the Ali-Iwo compound situated in what is now the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. His humble beginnings laid the foundation for a journey marked by determination and scholarly pursuits.
Venturing abroad to the United Kingdom, Balogun embarked on his educational odyssey, simultaneously balancing his studies with part-time employment to support himself. Completing his O- and A-level certifications, he transitioned to Brunel University, where he delved into the realms of Administration and Economics, culminating in the attainment of a master’s degree in 1973.
Following his academic triumphs, Balogun briefly immersed himself in the realm of public service, contributing his skills to the Lambeth Local Government Social Services Department for a period of one-and-a-half years. However, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he redirected his focus towards the pursuit of a doctoral degree, eager to delve deeper into his academic passions.
Succession to the Olubadan Throne
As per tradition, the succession to the Olubadan throne follows a structured hierarchy within the Olubadan system. With the passing of Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Balogun of Ibadanland, and leader of the military line, is next in line to ascend to the position of Olubadan. This succession is not just a ceremonial transition but a continuation of Ibadan’s rich heritage and governance.
Who is the next Olubadan After Lekan Balogun?
Rashidi Ladoja, a prominent figure in Ibadan’s political landscape, is also a key player in the succession process. As the former governor and senator, Ladoja heads the civil line as Otun Olubadan of Ibadan. While Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is poised to take on the mantle of leadership, Ladoja’s influence and experience will undoubtedly shape the future direction of Ibadan’s governance.
Full list of Olubadan of Ibadan
- Ba’ale Maye Okunade (1820-1830)
- Ba’ale Oluyedun
- Ba’ale Lakanle
- Bashorun Oluyole 1850
- Ba’ale Oderinlo 1850
- Ba’ale Oyeshile Olugbode 1851-1864
- Ba’ale Ibikunle 1864
- Bashorun Ogunmola 1865-1867
- Ba’ale Akere I 1867-1870
- Ba’ale Orowusi 1870-1871
- Are Ona Kakanfo Obadoke Latosa 1871-1885
- Ba’ale Ajayi Osungbekun 1885-1893
- Ba’ale Fijabi I 1893-1895
- Ba’ale Oshuntoki 1895-1897
- Ba’ale Fajinmi 1897-1902
- Ba’ale Mosaderin 1902-1904
- Ba’ale Dada Opadare 1904-1907
- Ba’ale Sunmonu Apampa 1907-1910
- Ba’ale Akintayo Awanibaku Elenpe 1910-1912
- Ba’ale Irefin 1912-1914
- Ba’ale Shittu Latosa (son of Are Latosa) 1914-1925
- Ba’ale Oyewole Foko 1925-1929
- Olubadan Okunola Abass 1930-1946
- Olubadan Akere I 1946
- Olubadan Oyetunde I 1946
- Olubadan Akintunde Bioku 1947-1948
- Olubadan Fijabi II 1948-1952
- Olubadan Alli Iwo 1952
- Olubadan Apete 1952-1955
- Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele 1955-1964
- Oba Yesufu Kobiowu July 1964 – December 1964
- Oba Salawu Akanni Aminu 1965-1971
- Oba Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II 1971-1976
- Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe 1976-1977
- Oba Daniel ‘Tayo Akinbiyi 1977-1982
- Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike I 1982-1994
- Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Operinde I (1994-1999)
- Oba Yunusa Ogundipe Arapasowu I (1999-2007)
- Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I (2007-2016)
- Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II | (2006-2024)
Who is the next olubadan of ibadan?
Oba Olakulehin to emerge new Olubadan. The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be crowned as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland subject to the approval of the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
He will be crowned following the demise of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Thursday.
He is the next in line to the late Olubadan. Confirming the death of the monarch, Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The late monarch, who was born on October 18, 1942, reigned for two years. He will be buried according to Islamic rights on Friday at 4 pm.
The next in line, Olakulehin, who heads the Balogun line, according to The Nation, hails from Ita Baale in Ibadan North East Local Government. He was a member of the House of Representative in the Third Republic
It is expected that palace drummers will move from Alli-Iwo to the Ita Baale Palace of Ọba Olakulehin, heralding his symbolic ascension to the throne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Oba Lekan Balogun Biography
Q: Who is Owolabi Olakulehin?
A: Owolabi Olakulehin is the Balogun of Ibadanland and the designated successor to the Olubadan throne following the demise of Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
Who is the next olubadan of ibadan?
Oba Olakulehin to emerge new Olubadan. The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be crowned as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland subject to the approval of the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
He will be crowned following the demise of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Thursday. He is the next in line to the late Olubadan.
Q: What is the significance of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s ascension?
A: Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s ascension marks a pivotal moment in Ibadan’s leadership, ensuring continuity and preserving the city’s rich heritage.
Q: What role does Rashidi Ladoja play in the succession process?
A: Rashidi Ladoja, former governor and senator, plays a crucial role as the head of the civil line in the Olubadan hierarchy, contributing to the smooth transition of power.
DOWNLOAD VIDEO NOW (Fast Server)
Be the first to comment