Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has commiserated with His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the sons and daughters of Ibadan and the entire Ibadan Chiefs-in-Council following the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors in the late hours of Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Hon. Adepoju, in his condolence message on Saturday, March 16, 2024, described the late Moshood Olalekan Balogun as a man who defended the sanctity of the Olubadan stool in his two-year reign.
According to the lawmaker, Ibadan has one of the most peaceful routes to Obaship, noting that the Olubadan stool has since become a reference point for not just Yoruba but the entire tribes of the world.
Ibarapakan also commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, whom he described as the son of the first-class traditional ruler.
“The demise of HRM, Oba Olalekan Balogun, is a huge loss not only to Oyo State but to the entire Yoruba race and the African continent at large.
“Oba Olalekan was a custodian of history, a peacemaker and a firm believer in a reliable democratic process.
“As a lecturer, senator, presidential aspirant, governorship candidate and Olubadan of Ibadan, it is an understatement to say that the late Oba Olalekan Balogun ruled his world in his fine but remarkable journey on earth,” the lawmaker mourned.
Ibarapakan said the late Oba Lekan’s stint as the supreme traditional ruler of Ibadan Land marked a turning point in the history of the ancient city, adding that his legacies will remain evergreen.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character prayed for the bereaved family and asked that Almighty God gives them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.