Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadan, has passed away.

Oba Balogun, who was presented with the staff of office on March 11, 2022, died at the age of 81, after just two years on the throne.

It was gathered that the monarch died after battling a brief illness at the University of Ibadan College Hospital (UCH), Oyo State.

According to The PUNCH, Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, announced the king’s death on Thursday, saying:

“With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.

“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.

“On behalf of the government and good people of the state, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.

“The passing of Oba Dr. Balogun marks the end of an era for Ibadanland, leaving behind a profound void in its rich history and heritage.”