Asiwaju Adini Musulumi of Ibadanland, Arc Hassan Olawale Giwa has described the death of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun as a great loss to Ali-Iwo dynasty, Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
The foremost religious leader expressed shock over the death of the first class monarch, saying that his fatherly role will surely be missed.
“Death is inevitable and every soul must taste it according to the Holy Quran. Therefore, it is a must that we submit to the supreme will of the Almighty from whom we came and unto whom we shall all return.
“The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Mohood Olelakan Balogun, Ali Okunmade II was a great man, a man of many parts, he was a man whose influence as brought tremendous developments to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria. His passage to eternal life has indeed left a wide gap which will take a long time to fill to the Ali-Iwo Family.
“Oba Olalekan will be remembered for so many things. His influence in the political landscape not only Oyo State but in Nigeria can not be over emphasized. The late monarch was a man of many parts with great qualities. He was an educationist par excellence with a high level of discipline. He was a very accommodating, cultured and generous monarch.
“The late Olubadan was a highly respected traditional ruler, his commitment to the growth and development of his people and Nigeria is second to none. He deployed his influence to foster peace and attract development to his state and domain, Ibadan.
“Oba Balogun was a courageous traditional ruler, a patriotic citizen and peace loving individual. He lived a fulfilled life and will be remembered for his service to humanity.
“As I am urging the whole family of Ali-Iwo both at home and in the diaspora to take solace in the fact that when it is time, nobody can stop it, I want to us all to build on the good legacies and good name that our father, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun left behind.
“I also sympathize with the Oyo State government, Council of Obas, Central Council of Ibadan indigenes and the entire indigenes of Ibadan for the loss of the king.
“I pray that Almighty Allah gives him eternal rest.”
