The Olubadan-Designate, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, paid a condolence visit to the ancestral Alli Iwo family compound of the late 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Monday. Despite being out of Ibadan for medical treatment when Oba Balogun passed away, Olakulehin wanted to honour the family with a physical visit.
He was received by the widows, Olori Funmilayo and Yinka Balogun, family elders, and the late monarch’s younger brother, Senator Kolawole Balogun.
Accompanying the 89-year-old Olubadan-Designate were Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Osi Balogun Olubadan; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Asipa Olubadan; and Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Asipa Balogun. Speaking on behalf of the Olubadan-Designate, Oba Lateef Adebimpe said the visit was significant because the late Olubadan had worked hard to bring genuine unity among the Olubadan-in-Council.
Unlike in the past, when the incoming Olubadan would focus on their own celebrations without considering the grief of the departed monarch’s family, the Olubadan-Designate chose to share in the Balogun family’s sorrow.
Oba Lekan Balogun, according to Oba Adebimpe, was the first monarch in Ibadan’s history to effectively facilitate genuine unity among the Olubadan-in-Council until his passing. “Within a short period, he achieved all he wanted for Ibadan. I rejoice with you, the Alli Iwo family,” he said. Senator Kola Balogun, receiving the Oba and his entourage on behalf of the Alli Iwo family, appreciated the Olubadan-Designate’s insistence on paying the visit instead of waiting for the family to visit him. He highlighted the connectedness of Ibadan people through consanguinity, marriage, or cultural practices like the Egungun festival.
Former Head of Service Alhaji Tajudeen Alabi also spoke, clarifying that Oba Olakulehin’s visit and previous public activities had dispelled any misconceptions about his health since his return from medical treatment.
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