By Oladele Ogunsola
Though, the beating of the drums actually stopped late evening of Thursday, March 14, 2024, and in observing the Islamic injunction professed by the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, his remains were interred the following day at his ancestral Aliiwo family compound Ibadan.
But, following the tradition of elaborate celebration of the demise of such a personality, all could not have been said to be over until last Saturday, June 8, 2024. It was the day set aside by the Oyo State Government to fulfill the promise of giving the late Olubadan a befitting burial earlier made by Governor Seyi Makinde. And true to his words, it was really a befitting burial for an enigmatic icon who bestrode the world like a colossus while the sojourn lasted.
Government left nobody in doubt of its seriousness with the composition of the committee to midwife the elaborate and colourful programme witnessed at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (former Liberty Stadium), Oke-Ado, Ibadan, venue of the programme. Led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, the committee also had other commissioners; Prince Dotun Oyelade, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun and Mrs. Toyin Balogun (Information, Culture and Tourism and Women Affairs and Social Inclusion respectively).
It also ensured the representation of the critical stakeholders, such as the Olubadan Advisory Council, Iyalode line, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Royal Highnesses, the family, Ibadan Royalty Committee, Security, Local Government and the Palace.
As preparations were being made to host dignitaries at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, there were also plans to host guests at both the Aliiwo ancestral home and Alarere residence of the late Olubadan and the state government ensured that all went well at all the three locations.
About 72 hours to the ceremony, the Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland and the former Chief of Army Staff who also served as Ambassador in Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai (rtd) had through his Foundation, Tukur and Tukur Foundation organised a three- day medical outreach in honour of the departed Kabiyesi and described as the “Foundation’s way of saying final good bye to an illustrious and enigmatic personality”. While the first two days of the outreach was held at the Aliiwo family compound of the late Olubadan, the third and the final day took place at the main entrance of the venue of the ceremony, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.
Earlier in the day, a two-hour live radio broadcast on the life and times of the late monarch was held at which the younger brother of the departed Oba, Sen. Kola Balogun led three others including ‘the first contribution of the late Olubadan to humanity’ (that’s the usual Kabiyesi’s style of introducing her), Mrs. Olufunmilayo Osinowo, Prince Aderoju Balogun and my humble self to extensively spoke on the departed hero.
A day of speeches and they were not in short supply. Makinde told the gathering that the late Olubadan of Ibadanland lived a fulfilled life and would be fondly remembered for his contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State. He testified: “The successful review of the Oyo State Chiefs Law in 2023 will enable the government to install the next Olubadan soon. One thing I want us to take home today is that Kabiyesi Lekan Balogun and I did what people thought Napoleon could not do.
“The Executive Arm of government and the Legislature, on May 26, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy Law of Oyo State so that the governor does not need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the declaration of traditional rulers. Kabiyesi Olubadan and I amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who are yet to see the document can go and look for it to confirm. That is the declaration to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadan.”
The governor urged everybody to take solace in the good life led by the late Kabiyesi: “I want to once again thank you all and to console the family. We all lost baba but we should take solace in the fact that baba lived a very fulfilled life.”
He used the opportunity to make first public comment on the nomination of the next Olubadan: “Government has accepted the recommendation of Olubadan-elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin by the Olubadan-in-Council. I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. Oba Olakulehin would be enthroned when he is fit, because due process has been followed.”
Welcoming the guests earlier, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, described Oba Balogun as an intellectual and a patriot. She praised the dedication and commitment of the late Ibadan foremost traditional ruler to the progress and growth of the state.
Buratai spoke in the same vein: “The late Olubadan was a detribalised Nigerian who lived to serve humanity, Nigeria and the people of Ibadanland. He did not just accord me respect as an elder statesman, I was also honoured with a chieftaincy title of Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland and I am proud to be associated with the late Olubadan.” He prayed for the success of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin urging him to build on the legacies of his predecessors.
Responding on behalf of the Aliiwo dynasty, the Baba Kekere Olubadan and the younger brother of the late Kabiyesi, Sen. Kolawole Balogun, praised the governor for the ceremony, described as a fulfilled promise by the governor. He acknowledged with gratitude the support of the government for the late Oba Balogun and the family reiterating that the ceremony truly manifested the promise of a befitting burial Makinde earlier made.
On bandstand were Chief Ebenezer Obey and Taye Currency. The event was spiced with cultural display and what could be described as drum fiesta. And an heavy downpour blessed the event.
As customary, the three widows of the late Olubadan, Oloris Olayinka, Olufunmilayo and Khalimat were in attendance as well as members of the Olubadan Advisory Council. There were other dignitaries from far and near. They included Senators Hassan Gussau, (Zamfara), Uche Ekwunife, (Anambra) and Lere Oriolowo (Osun). The Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun was represented by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, who was just promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum was also present.
With Buratai were Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Oyelude Makama; Adekemi Omorinbola, the Regent of Asin, Iwaro-Oka; Major General Bulama Biu (rtd); President of the 29th Regular Course, Commodore Teidi (rtd), and Brigadier General Muazu, the Garrison Commander, Division 2 Garrison Command. Others included Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaji Ibrahim Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi, Mr. Femi Oyewale, the Publisher of Sahara Weekly and Lateef Onijo, among others.
The hosts included Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, his wife, Ajibola, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador. Taofeek Arapaja, former deputy governors, Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi. Also in attendance were the Speaker of the State Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, state Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Akinniyi Akintola, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni. Also, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, traditional leaders, religious leaders and captains of industry were also in attendance.
That was how the curtains were finally drawn and the chapter permanently closed on the life and era of the most educated (a Ph.D holder) Oba to have ever reigned in Ibadanland. A Senator of the Federal Republic from Oyo Central between 1999 and 2003, a University Chancellor, dogged fighter, a Lennist/Marxist ideologue, a detribalised, philanthropist and a humanist per excellence, highly cerebral and holder of prestigeous National Honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland (March 11, 2022- March 14, 2024) would have been 82 years on October 18, 2024 having been born on same date in 1942.
Still feel pain saying good night, Kabiyesi!
*Ogunsola was Personal Assistant Media to the late Oba Balogun.