The Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State Chapter, has described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, as a peacemaker, saying he died when he was most needed in Ibadan and Nigeria in general.
The State AlGON Chairman, Mr. Sikiru Sanda, said this during the 8-day fidau prayer for the late traditional ruler on Friday in Ibadan.
Sanda, who is the Chairman of the Egbeda Local Government Council of the state, said that the late Olubadan was a very pleasant man, loved by everyone in his domain.
“His death came to us as a rude shock; we felt bad about it; it is a great loss to the nation, and we have accepted God’s decision.
“We are going to miss him owing to his contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria in general,he said.
In his sermon, Prof. Kamil Oloso, a former lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, called on everyone to always do good and remember Judgment Day.
Oloso said that there was no doubt that everyone would be resurrected to account for his or her deeds while on earth.
Quoting chapter 75 vs. 1:5 of the Holy Quran, the Islamic scholar said those who do good while on earth would surely reap bountifully on the Day of Judgment.
He called on citizens, especially those with means, to always assist those in need.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 8-day fidau prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Shelkh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere.
NAN reports that Christian clerics and traditional religion worshippers also prayed for the repose of the late traditional ruler’s soul.
Present at the occasion were members of immediate and extended families of the late Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council, Magajis, Baales, and chairmen of local government councils in Ibadan.
Others were the President-General, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Sulaimon Ajewole, and Ibadan traditional title holders, among others.
NAN reports that Balogun, who ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, died on March 14, 2024, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after a brief illness. (NAN)
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