Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has offered heartfelt praise for the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, highlighting the profound impact of his relatively brief reign.
Obasanjo conveyed these sentiments during a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch at their Alarere residence in Ibadan.
He was warmly received by some family members, including two of the late monarch’s wives, Olayinka and Olufunmilayo, as well as a few of his children, the Bobajiro of Ibadanland, and a former Oyo State Head of Service, Tajudeen Aremu.
In a statement issued by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oladele Ogunsola, former President Obasanjo described Oba Balogun as a personal friend, noting that visiting the late Olubadan’s family was his duty.
Obasanjo remarked, “Naturally, we would have loved him to be around us for much longer, but God knows best. Assuming that death did not come when it came but a worse thing happened, what could have been our reaction? We thank God for him, it is not how long, but how well,” he concluded.
In a concise condolence message penned in the register, Obasanjo wrote, “Kabiyesi Balogun, sleep in your creator’s bosom.”
Responding on behalf of the family, the Bobajiro of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Head of Service, Tajudeen Aremu, hailed the former president’s visit as a display of genuine affection.
Aremu stressed that Obasanjo exemplified true friendship through his visit, echoing a Yoruba proverb that identifies genuine friends by their actions in the absence of others.
He noted, “There’s nothing our late father can do for anybody now, he is no more in a position to offer anybody anything, either tangible or intangible. So, whatever anybody does for him now is not because of receiving anything in return from him, but out of deep love and concern.”
Earlier, Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, welcomed Obasanjo and his entourage, recalling the former president’s earlier visit to the late Olubadan before his coronation. He viewed Obasanjo’s current visit after the monarch’s passing as a testament to their genuine bond.
Ajibade invoked blessings upon Obasanjo, urging him to continue identifying with the family periodically.
Oba Balogun, who ascended as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on March 11, 2022, passed away on March 14, 2024, barely 72 hours after his second anniversary celebration. He was laid to rest at his Aliwo ancestral home, according to Muslim rites, on March 15, 2024.