The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere lead other Islamic leaders and dignitaries from different parts of Nigeria in the 8-day fidau of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun.
The event, which was held at Mapo Hall had the former governor of Oyo State and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Segun Olaiwola in attendance.
Also in attendance the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Barr. Chief Niyi Ajewole and other members of the executive, Baale and Mogaji, as well as leaders of various markets across Ibadanland.
It will be recalled that the late monarch, who reigned for two years, joined his ancestors at the age of 82 on Thursday night at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after a brief illness.
At the event, Muslim, Christian and traditionalist prayed for the repose of the soul of the late monarch, wishing Balogun’s family fortitude to bear the loss.
Speaking on behalf of local government chairmen across 11 council areas of Ibadanland, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, said the monarch died when he was needed most, saying Ibadan people will missed him so much.
He described his death as a great loss to the nation, adding that his contributions towards the progress of Ibadanland and the Oyo State were commendable.
“God is the giver and taker, and we need to thank him for everything, Baba can be seeing in all facets, he was an academia, businessman and a politician, he played with everybody, Ibadan people and we, his children are going to miss him.”
One of the Ibadan Mogaji’s, who is also the Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Nurudeen Akinade, said that the late monarch was a grassroots mobilizer.
He noted that the late monarch was a great man because his two years reign was full of various progress and development.
“Olubadan once said he want to turned Ibadanland to the capital of Africa, and we are all wondering how that will be possible, It was after his death we realised that he has did that because we now have a palace which was adjudge as one of the best in Africa, for the first time, we now have an Ibadan man as the Vice Chancellor of foremost University in Nigeria, circular road project is been inaugurated during his reign and many other laudable projects.”
Meanwhile, in his sermon, a former lecturer at Department of Islamic and Arabic Studied, University of Ibadan (UI) Prof. Kamil Oloso, said that attending the burial ceremony will teach people that everybody will die one day irrespective of their status.
According to him, “earth is not end of everything, we are all going to heaven, only those who worship God and of good behavior can make heaven, I mean those who are doing good while alive.
“We should all know that there is heaven, and those who will make heaven are those with good character while alive.
A cleric at the palace of the late monarch, Pastor Olusoji Adediji, noted that human being life is just like a calendar that is going to end one day, saying that the deceased has finished his assignments on earth.
He stated that impact of the late monarch in Ibadanland and the state as a whole can not be overemphasized.
He said the late monarch has seen the grace of God while alive particularly during his reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Baba lived a good and meaningful life, his name will not be forgotten in Ibadanland and the entire state.
He, however, urged widows of the deceased to take heart because the death of their husband signified his transition to eternity.
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