Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun as an impeccable traditional ruler, who left a record of an “enviable qualities of incorruptible leadership.”
Chief Obasanjo who stated this in his message on the passage of the late monarch, said this attribute clearly stood out the late Olubadan.
Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, joined his ancestors Thursday evening at the age of 81.
Obasanjo through a statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said he received the news of the passing of the late Olubadan with great shock and profound sadness.
He noted that his contributions to the political, social and economic life of Ibadan, Oyo State, Western Region and indeed, Nigeria would remain indelible in the hearts and minds of those whom he had interacted with in politics and in social-economic life.
Oba Balogun, who reigned for two years, breathed his last Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State after a brief illness.
Obasanjo is currently in Baku, Azerbaijan where he is attending the 11th Global Baku Forum, saying that like most great leaders, the late monarch was all things to all men.
“He was forthright, thorough and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public good. He demonstrated that politics was an avenue not for mindless enrichment but for rendering faithful service.
“To his family, he was a tower of strength and a committed provider; to his community of Ibadan, he was an early model in national leadership; to his Yoruba kinsmen, he was a worthy Ambassador of all things noble about them; and to the rest of Nigeria, he was a symbol of a nation’s epic struggle in self-discovery and self actualisation,” Obasanjo said.
The former President further declared that the late Oba Balogun will be remembered as a foremost nationalist, patriot and custodian of the cultural and traditional values, who gave his best while in the service of the nation with distinction and commitment to the high ideals of the public service, particularly during his service as the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The former President also described the passing of Oba Olalekan Balogun as a dream, especially as he left at a crucial state in the nation’s history, when his wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed.
The former president then urged the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council, all the members of late monarch’s immediate and extended family as well as the entire good people of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large to take solace in the worthy legacy and his mark on the history of the country he left behind.
“In fact, we ought to give gratitude to God for his worthy life,” Obasanjo said.
