Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

The monarch reportedly joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

In a statement released on Thursday night, Governor Makinde expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Oba Balogun, describing him as an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever.

Despite his relatively short reign of just a little over two years, Oba Balogun made significant contributions to the development and legacy of Ibadanland.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council, and the entire people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed monarch and urged the community to come together in mourning and remembrance during this difficult time.

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

“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. 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 Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland.

“It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”