Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Yusufu Buratai CFR has described the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Land , Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, as a detribalised Nigerian who lived to serve humanity, Nigeria and the people of Ibadanland. He also described his death as painful”.
Buratai stated this on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State, at the civic reception organized for the late Olubadan by the Oyo State Government .
He described the late Olubadan as a responsible king who dedicated his life and time to promote unity and oneness of Nigeria.
Buratai said the death was a great loss, stressing that “we have lost a friendly, jovial, compassionate and loving monarch”.
Speaking further, he said ” he did not just accord me respect as an elder statesman, I was also honoured with a chieftaincy title of Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland and i am proud to be associated with the late Olubadan.
Ambassador Buratai who earlier paid a courtesy visit to the family of another Late Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, where he was received by the families and Olori’s of the the Late Olubadan Adetunji, prayed for the family. He informed the family that he was in Ibadan for the final burial ceremony of Late Oba Balogun, and he found it expedient to also visit the families of Late Oba Saliu Adetunji too.
Recalled also that Tukur Foundation a Non-governmental Organization (NGO), also set up a three-day free medical outreach to honour the departed Oba Balogun.
Amb Buratai however pray for the success of the new olubadan too and urge him to build on the legacies of his predecessors.
Ambassador Buratai’s entourage to Ibadan, included the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Oyelude Makama CON, HRM, Adekemi Omorinbola, the Regend of Asin, Iwaro- Oka, Major General Bulama Biu (rtd), the President of the 29th Regular Course, Commodore Teidi (rtd), Brigadier General Muazu, the Garrison Commander, Division 2 Garrison Command, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaji Ibrahim, Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi, Mr Femi Oyewale, the Publisher of Sahara Weekly, Barrister Lateef Onijo and others.
