The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, was laid to rest at his Aliiwo ancestral home around 4.30 pm on Friday.
PUSaving Point Media reported that the monarch, who reigned for two years, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness.
The state deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, along with other government functionaries, paid their respects at the family burial ground in Aliiwo, located in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
Earlier, there was a lying-in-state at Mapo Hall from 12 noon to 1 pm before the monarch’s remains were moved to Aliwo for burial after prayers.
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Meanwhile, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is set to be crowned as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, pending approval from the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
Following the demise of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, Oba Olakulehin is next in line to the throne.
Meanwhile, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Balogun of Ibadanland, is set to be crowned as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, subject to the approval of the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
He is next in line to the late Olubadan.
Confirming the demise of the monarch, Governor Makinde expressed his condolences in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, noting that Oba Balogun passed away at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The late monarch, who reigned for two years, will be buried according to Islamic rites on Friday at 4 pm.
Olakulehin, who hails from Ita Baale in Ibadan North East Local Government and heads the Balogun line, is expected to ascend to the throne. He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic.
It is anticipated that palace drummers will herald Olakulehin’s symbolic ascension to the throne as they move from Alli-Iwo to the Ita Baale Palace of Oba Olakulehin.
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