In a heartfelt condolence message personally signed and made available to journalists through his personal assistant, Taye Currency expressed deep sorrow, revealing his recent visit to the palace turned out to be his final encounter with the revered monarch.
Describing Oba Lekan Balogun as a father and a highly respected monarch, Currency reflected on the monarch’s fondness for entertainment and his constant guidance to uphold the honor of Ibadanland.
He lamented the unfortunate timing of the monarch’s passing while he was abroad, underscoring the pain of not being able to bid farewell in person.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Ibadan, Currency extended his condolences and emphasized the significant loss felt by the illustrious sons and daughters of Ibadanland.
The statement read, “With a heart full of grief, I mourn our father, His Royal Majesty, Alli Okunmade 11 over his passing on Thursday.
“The news of his death came to me as a rude shock largely because I was still with him few weeks back and didn’t know a sad news like this would come to me at this time.
“I visited Baba recently and never knew his death would come so soon. I didn’t know he would bid the world farewell the last time I saw him. Indeed, life is transient.
I am more pained that this moment of his exit to join his ancestors does not permit me to bid our Baba farewell in person. He will be sorely missed, I must say.
“From what I know, Baba was a lover of peace and those around him. Similarly, I appreciate his fondness for entertainment and his constant guidance to uphold the honor and tradition of Ibadanland and Yoruba.
“So, I symphatize with the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the illustrious sons and daughters of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general, even as I pray for the repose of the late monarch’s soul.”