TheNewsGuru

Tag: Olubadan of Ibadan

  • JUST IN: Popular Yoruba monarch, Olubadan of Ibadan is dead

    JUST IN: Popular Yoruba monarch, Olubadan of Ibadan is dead

    Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has reportedly passed away just two days after marking his 90th birthday.

    TheNewsGuru learnt the monarch died at 90, in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025.

    Oba Olakulehin became the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland in July 2024, following the death of his predecessor, Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.

    He was presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, after ascending from the position of Balogun Olubadan in the traditional chieftaincy line.

  • Tinubu mourns as UCH opens up on Olubadan’s death

    Tinubu mourns as UCH opens up on Olubadan’s death

    Authorities of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have said that they gave adequate care to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, when he was brought to the hospital on Wednesday.

    Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mrs Funmilayo Adetuyibi, stated this in an interview on Friday in Ibadan.

    Oba Balogun joined his ancestors on Thursday evening during a brief illness at the age of 81.

    Adetuyibi said that the late traditional ruler was brought to the hospital on Wednesday and died at the intensive care unit on Thursday night.

    “As everyone knows, the first goal of our hospital is to take care of our patients.

    “Adequate and proper care was given to Oba Balogun during the little time he stayed at the hospital,” she said.

    “He came in at around 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday and died at exactly 9.05 p.m. on Thursday,” she said.

    The UCH spokesperson, however, declined when asked about the disease that the late Olubadan was suffering from which eventually resulted in his death.

    News of the death of the traditional ruler was also confirmed by his family, media aide, Dele Ogunsola, and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, late Thursday evening.

    It was gathered that the late royal father was sick and remained indoors throughout Tuesday before he was taken to UCH on Wednesday.

    The first-class traditional ruler, who ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree holder, former university lecturer and senator between 1999 and 2003.

    Balogun, who died barely 72 hours after celebrating two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, will be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 p.m. today (Friday) according to Islamic rites.
    He is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.

    President Tinubu mourns Olubadan of Ibadan

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has received  news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, with a deep sense of grief.

    This is contained in a statement by Presidential spokesman,  Ajuri Ngelale on Friday in Abuja.

    He said the President commiserated with the family of  Olubadan,  government of Oyo State,  Olubadan-in-Council,  Oyo State Traditional Council and people of Ibadanland over the loss.

    Ngelale said that Tinubu mourned the Olubadan and celebrated the Oba’s remarkable life of service to his people, state, and the nation.

    “His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity. He was compassionate, courageous, and an unrelenting advocate of the pristine ideals of peace, honesty, and unity.

    ”His wise counsel will be sorely missed at this time in the life of our country.”

    He added that the President urged all who are in mourning to find solace in the immortal legacies of the Olubadan, stating that he lived eternally in his good deeds and in the memories of everyone touched by his essence.

    The Presidential spokesman said Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those mourning the sad loss.

    The Olubadan died on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan after a brief illness and would be buried on  Friday,  according to Islamic rites.

    Balogun was a former federal legislator in the upper chambers and an accomplished businessman before ascending the throne.

    Recall that the first-class traditional ruler ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

  • Olubadan of Ibadan to be buried today – Family

    Olubadan of Ibadan to be buried today – Family

    The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun who died late Thursday, will be buried on Friday evening in Ibadan, a family  member has announced.

    The late Oba who died barely 72 hours after completing two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland will be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 p.m. according to Islamic rites.

    His younger brother, Dr Kola Balogun, disclosed in a statement by the late Olubadan’s media aide, Oladele Ogunsola, that “Olubadan bowed out gracefully this evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness.”

    He added that the late Ibadan traditional ruler was taken to the hospital after having stayed indoors throughout Tuesday on account of a slight malaria fever.

    “Baba was hale and hearty on Monday, when he personally received the few guests who paid him congratulatory visits on his second year anniversary on that day,” Dr Kola Balogun said.

    The late Olubadan was a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree holder, and a former university lecturer.

    He was also a former management staff member of Shell British Petroleum, a former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), former Senator and a successful businessman.

    His last official outing was the Olubadan Advisory Council’s meeting which he presided over on Saturday.

    The late Olubadan is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.

  • Olubadan of Ibadan backs clamour for protection of telecom infrastructure

    Olubadan of Ibadan backs clamour for protection of telecom infrastructure

    The advocacy for telecom infrastructure protection across the country by the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has received royal blessings and support of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who has urged every citizen in Nigerian to take responsibility for the protection of telecom facilities for mutual benefit of all.

    The monarch, who spoke through the Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ademola Odunade, at the Village Square Dialogue (VSD) of NCC at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan recently, advised the Nigerian public “to support NCC to achieve its objectives of protecting telecoms consumer because this should be seen as a collective responsibility.”

    The event, which was presided over by the Chairman of the Board of the NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, was designed to discuss one of the most important issues affecting the operations of the telecom industry – the protection of telecoms infrastructure to guarantee improved quality of service for benefits of businesses and the consumers.

    Akande, in his address to guests at the forum that witnessed large turnout of traditional rulers, representatives of telecom operators and consumers, asked the consumers and other stakeholders to join hands in protecting telecoms infrastructure in their communities to ensure sustained connectivity.

    Akande said the objective of the consumer engagement was “to explore how we can all protect telecom infrastructure to continue to provide us with life-supporting services and we are happy to bring this programme to Oyo State to really sensitise telecom consumers and other critical stakeholders in this regard.”

    Prof. Akande noted that without telecom infrastructure, it will be difficult to communicate with family and friends over long distances while conducting banking, insurance, or access government services, education, entertainment and other essentials of life.

    “This means that telecom infrastructure is important, and we must all ensure that we guard and protect this Critical National Infrastructure,” Akande said.

    He also listed such destabilising situations in the telecom sector to include the negative attitudes and actions of hostile communities; theft of diesel, batteries and power generators from base stations; digging up and cutting of fibre optic cables; sealing/locking up of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites and other disruptive activities which must be tackled decisively.

    Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC, Efosa Idehen, who commended the consumers from the Ibadan axis for turning out in numbers, pledged the Commission’s commitment towards the care of the consumers. Idehen stated that NCC has the responsibility to protect, inform and educate the million of telecom consumers in the country.

    “Therefore, part of activities to deliver on this mandate is this type of programme holding in Ibadan today. We value your feedback on all kinds of services you receive in the telecoms sector but most importantly, we implore you to join hands in protecting telecom infrastructure in your areas,” he said.

    Idehen advised members of the public to report any suspected cases of threats to telecoms infrastructure to law enforcement agents in their areas for necessary interventions. He reminded them that they can call toll-free numbers 112 in cases of emergencies or 622 to report complaints bordering on telecommunications services to the NCC.

  • NYSC objectives failing due to insecurity – Olubadan says

    NYSC objectives failing due to insecurity – Olubadan says

    The Olubadàn of Ibadan, Oba Olalekan Balogun, says while the objectives for which the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was commendable, they are beginning to fail because of the current high rate of in security across the nation.

    This was contained in a press statement as signed and made available to TheNewsGuru.com by the media aide to the Palace, Mr Dele Ogunsola, where he indicated that Oba Balogun, stated this while hosting the management team of the NYSC in Oyo State, on Friday, at his residence, Alarere Ibadan.

    According to the statement, the NYSC Coordinator in Oyo State, Mrs Grace Ogbuogebe, led the management team on the courtesy visit to the Oludadan.

    ALSO READ: Alaafin’s death: End of remarkable, glorious era – Olubadan

    In his statement, Oba Balogun asserted that the level of insecurity is quickly eroding the noble idea and objective of the founding fathers of the scheme, which, according to him, remain one of the best attempts at unifying the country.

    The Royal Father called on the Federal Government to put more efforts in the fight against insecurity as it is the only the aims of the scheme could be achieved.

    ALSO READ: NYSC gets new spokesperson

    He was quoted to have said; “Today, an average parent would not want his or her child to go far away from the home state in the name of national service because of the fear of the unknown which was unheard of in the years past.”

    According to the Royal father, the gains of the NYSC scheme are too precious to be discarded on the altar of insecurity, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to save the future of Nigeria by addressing the problem.

    The Olubadàn however, promised his support and cooperation to the NYSC management in the state towards sustaining its objectives.
    He also enjoined corps members currently serving in the state to make the best use of the opportunity and hospitality of their hosts to advance national unity.

    Earlier in her remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator said the visit was to felicitate Oba Balogun on his ascension to the throne and mentioned several achievements of the scheme across the country as well as the various interventions being made in the cal sectors of the national life, including health and education, TheNewsGuru.com can reliably report.

    She applauded the Oyo state government for what she described as its unflinching cooperation, while also appealing to Oba Balogun to see the scheme as one of his priorities as well.

    The NYSC coordinator noted that there is need for all stakeholders to support the scheme across the federation for it to continue to have positive impact on the society.

  • I’m not responsible for death of Oyo monarchs – Gov Makinde

    I’m not responsible for death of Oyo monarchs – Gov Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has replied to critics who feel he is responsible for the death of top Yoruba monarchs in the State.

    Governor Makinde urged his critics to stop linking him with the death of prominent monarchs in the state, following the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Makinde stated this when he visited the palace of the late Alaafin of Oyo on Sunday.

    Some Nigerians have called out the governor on social media, noting that two other first-class monarchs, the Soun of Ogbomoso and Olubadan of Ibadan, died in quick succession under him.

    The late Soun, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, passed on, on December 12, 2021, while the late Olubadan, Saliu Adetunji, joined his ancestors on January 2 this year.

    Governor Makinde said though the monarchs were aged and made significant impacts before they departed, he wished they lived longer.

    Speaking on Alaafin’s death, he said the king left a huge void that would be difficult to fill.

    “In Oyo State, we have perhaps lost the last human encyclopedia of our traditional history. Several times when I visited him and told him the problem we had, he had a solution to everything.

    “So, it is a very difficult void to fill. In fact, I don’t know who else we can go and meet, who can replace Kabiyesi.

    “When I visited him in 2015 and told him about my ambition, he frankly told me it was not going to work out due to one reason or the other and, at last, I failed, but I learnt certain things. Not many people will tell one the truth. Kabiyesi told me it would not work, and it never worked out,” he said.

    While promising to give the late Alaafin a befitting burial, the governor appealed to the chiefs not to delay in selecting a new king for the town.

    TNG reports the longest-reigning monarch in Oyo town passed on Friday night at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He was 83.

    He was the son of the late Alaafin Oba Adeyemi II, and the 43rd Alaafin of Oyo. He reigned for 52 years.

  • Passing of Alaafin: How Oyo lost three top Obas in five months

    Passing of Alaafin: How Oyo lost three top Obas in five months

    The ancient city of Oyo state has witnessed the death of three prominent first class monarchs in the space of five months.

    Recall that the people of Ogbomosho were thrown into mourning state when the news of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III broke out in December 2021.

    The monarch died in the early hours of December 12th, 2021 at the age of 95 after being on the throne for 48 years.

    He was buried according to Islamic rites at about 4:30 p.m. inside a Vault in the palace.

    Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji died 22 days after the death of prominent monarch in Oyo State – Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi.

    Adetunji, who was crowned the 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2016 was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan.

    Confirming the Olubadan’s death, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said, “The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, came as a shock.

    “His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom, and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled.

    “Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss Kabiyesi, who was ever ready to give his all to see a better society.”

    Oba Adetunji grew up learning vocational jobs until he took up fashion designing as a means of living after moving into Lagos.

    While working as a fashion designer, Adetunji delved into musical record marketing until 1960 when he founded his first of three record label imprints called Baba Laje Records which housed notable fuji music acts, including Dauda Epo-Akara and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall.

    Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land.

     

    The death of the Alaafin is the 3rd amongst the prominent monarchs in Oyo state in the space of five months.

    Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

    The Alaafin started out as a boxer and would have been a professional boxer but kingship called and he had to retire from boxing at an early age of 31 years to become the Alaafin.

    Adeyemi died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti after a brief illness.

    The Alaafin ruled for 52 years before his demise, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.

    He became the Alaafin of Oyo in November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, during the governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, after the civil war. He was popularly referred to as Iku Baba Yeye.

    However, Oba Lekan Balogun has been installed as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan by kingmakers in Oyo state whilst the people of Ogbomosho and Ibadan await the new Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomosho respectively.

  • Olubadan To Osinbajo: In God’s name, you will be President of Nigeria

    Olubadan To Osinbajo: In God’s name, you will be President of Nigeria

    His Imperial Majesty the Olubadan of Ibadan, Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun Ali-Iwo, Okunmade II has told Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that he will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

    The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan made the submission on Friday when the Vice President paid a courtesy call on the monarch in Ibadan, capital of Oyo state.

    Receiving the Vice President, the royal father said, “In God’s name, you will be President of Nigeria,” to which the Balogun of Ibadan added, “We are all with you”.

    Adding that, “Vice President Osinbajo, you are a wonderful human being, you are a wonderful person, may Allah grant you access to what you have in mind”.

    Prof. Osinbajo declared to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress on 14 April.

    He has since begun consultations with party members, stakeholders and Nigerians across the country. He has met with the APC governors forum, APC Senate Caucus and the House of Representative Caucus.

    After the meeting with the Olubadan, Prof. Osinbajo proceeded to a meeting with the APC Oyo State where he will hold a stakeholders interaction.

    This marks the beginning of his second round nationwide consultation ahead of the presidential primary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) slated for June 1, 2022, where he is expected to meet with even more stakeholders and APC delegates in all the local governments across the country.

    Recall that earlier in the week, former Kano State Governor and senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Senator Kabiru Gaya, was appointed the Chairman of The Progressive Project (TPP), an umbrella body of the support groups of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo across all 36 states and the FCT.

  • Olalekan Balogun Installed as 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan

    Olalekan Balogun Installed as 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan

    Dr Mashod Olalekan Balogun has been installed as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland .

    The former National Assembly member became the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan on Friday after the Obaship rite has been done.

    Balogun, who represented Oyo Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003, was before now the Olubadan designate having met all the necessary requirements.

    The peak of the coronation rites was held at Mapo Hall in the heart of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where Oyo State Gov. Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to the new Oba.

    .The presentation of staff was preceded by other traditional rites which had been coordinated by the holders of the traditional religion.

    Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; and a former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and many other prominent Nigerians were in attendance.

    Other dignitaries at the event are; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Adekunle, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Rector, Professor Kazeem Adebiyi, Ibadan High Chiefs, Mogajis, Baales among others are also at the venue.

    Recall that the 41st Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji kicked the bucket on Sunday, January 2nd 2022

    Oba Adetunji died at the age of 93.

     

  • Olubadan stool: Next monarch will be appointed using original ascendancy system – Oyo Gov, Makinde insists

    Olubadan stool: Next monarch will be appointed using original ascendancy system – Oyo Gov, Makinde insists

    …says Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept

    Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has said the next Olubadan of Ibadan will emerge through the original ascendancy system.

    The Governor who paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1, where he announced that the departed monarch will get a royal and befitting burial.

    Makinde while addressing the widow and family members of the late monarch at his Popo Yemoja palace in Ibadan, also said that the next Olubadan of Ibadanland will be appointed using the “original” ascendancy system.

    He clarified that Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that “this should be the last time there will be controversy on the next person who will ascend to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland”.

    He assured all indigenes and lovers of Ibadan that his administration will only carry out what the late Olubadan stood for, saying that he would “do what is right to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadan land.”

    He said, “I and the entourage of the Oyo State Government are here this evening to pay our official condolence visit to Olori and the family of our father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who joined his ancestors. So, this is a way to tell the family that at this moment when you are grieving for Kabiyesi leaving us, we are here to identify with you and the family.

    “We are here to say that it is joint pain, as you are not the only ones feeling the passage of Baba. I pray that God Almighty will continue to be with you. And I want to assure you that there is nothing Baba has left that will be left abandoned, but instead, they will go from strength to strength.

    “Today, Baba is not with us but what he stood for is with us. The history of Ibadan’s traditional institution cannot be completely narrated without acknowledging what Baba stood and fought for. So, we have come here today to say we are with you. What we can do as children is to give Baba a royal and befitting burial and, as a government, we will do just that. The burial is our burial and it is the state’s burial.

    “I have heard enough on the controversy surrounding who or who is not next to be installed as Olubadan of Ibadanland and other narratives around the matter. So, let me state it clearly that Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept. This must be the last time there will be controversy on who succeeds the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    “As a government, I am giving assurance to indigenes and lovers of Ibadan that what Baba stood for is what I will carry through. So, whoever wants should key into it or not. We must do what is right to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadan land.”

    …Gov defends silence, absence after Olubadan’s death

    The governor faulted those criticising him for being absent at some programmes held to honour the late Olubadan.

    He explained that he was in touch with doctors that attended to the late Olubadan.

    He said, “Today, I am saying it in front of everybody that those saying that I was supposed to return to the state immediately I got the news of Baba’s demise ‘lack knowledge.’ Yes. I have always been in talks with Baba every moment. I was at Saki when he was sick but I was talking to the medical doctors taking care of him in the hospital.

    “So, those criticising my action are not the ones to tell us how we are supposed to take care of our aged ones. We know what to do and we did what was expected of us to do. I am here on behalf of the government to tell you that the pain is for all of us. Baba stood for truth. If he had not, he would not have boldly told the past government to retrace its step when it was treading the wrong path.

    “Power is not something that is easy to manage but Baba looked at power in the face and spoke the truth to power concerning the issue of the traditional institution in Ibadan.”

    While speaking, the son of the late monarch, Dr. Abdul Raheem Adetunji, appreciated the governor and his entourage for the condolence visit paid to the family, praying that the governor will succeed in all his endeavours.”