Oyo Reps Member, SMATO mourns the the passing of 42nd Olubadan

The House of Representatives member, Ogooluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency, Hon. Makanjuola Smato has joined in mourning the sudden passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The late monarch, who reigned for two years, joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, at the age of 82.

Smato, in a heartfelt condolence message made available to journalists on Friday, expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, the people of Ibadanland, and Oyo State in general over the sudden death of the imperial majesty.

The chairman House Committee on Friendship Group Pakistan and Deputy chairman of the House Committee of Solid Minerals at the Nigeria Green Chamber described the revered monarch as a father whose reign brought development to Ibadanland, emphasizing the significant loss felt by the illustrious sons and daughters of Ibadanland.

The statement read, “With a deep heart full of sorrow, I mourn our father, His Royal Majesty, Alli Okunmade 11 over his passing on Thursday.

“This is another loss not only to Ibadanland but to Oyo State in general. We lost a great king and a special one. He will be greatly missed by every one of us. His two-year reign was peaceful and eventful.

“We are going to miss the elderly and wise counseling of the Royal Father whose proficiency and wealth of knowledge cut across both administrative and political experiences.

” Late Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun was an accomplished administrator and a successful politician. He was an all-round achiever and peacemaker.

“I sympathize with the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the illustrious sons and daughters of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general, even as I pray for the repose of the late monarch’s soul.”