The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aryfad Travels and Tours Limited, Ibadan, Chief (Dr) Raymond Adeyinka Adewale has described the exit of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba (Dr) Senator Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II as a great loss to Ibadan land, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Adewale in a statement said the highly revered Monarch whose reign two years ago brought so much development to the ancient city would be greatly missed.
He also described the late monarch as a unifier, experienced and affectionate father whose wise counsel and rich values of culture brought development to Ibadan land and the state as a whole.
The statement reads in parts: “We have lost a father who brought great honor to Ibadan and the state as a whole. We have so much respect and admiration for him beyond description. He was indeed a father with impeccable and sterling qualities.
“We really cherished his wise counsel, quality leadership and exemplary roles which he played while alive, and he was ever willing to accommodate anyone like his biological son”.
“I commiserate with the good people and government of Oyo State especially the indigenes of Ibadan land on the passage of His Imperial Majesty Oba Olalekan Mahood Balogun”.
“His reign though quite short, just about two years after his coronation was unique and had great impact on the land, he would be remembered as one of the finest monarchs in the history of Ibadan land, with quite remarkable achievements and memorable progress that reformed the traditional institution of Ibadan Land”.
“I also commiserate with his immediate family members and the Olubadan in council on this sad incidence and pray that the Almighty God give us all the fortitude to bear the pains of the passage of our beloved Monarch, Father and Leader”.
“He once represented the good people of Oyo Central Senatorial District at the Senate, with remarkable achievements. We will sorely miss Baba, an extraordinary and exceptional leader and Monarch”.
“Truly an Iroko has fallen, Ibadan, Oyo State , the Nation Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a fine traditional ruler who will be sorely missed. May his soul rest on with his fore fathers, the statement added.
