The demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Senator Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun (Ali Okunmade II), has been described as a rude shock, sudden and unexpected.
This was contained in a condolence message by an Ibadan-born, U.K.-based mental health nurse, cultural ambassador and philanthropist, Mrs Bolanle Hassan-Fasan.
According to the message: “The passing of our royal father was a rude shock, sudden and unexpected.The last time I saw him, he was looking bright and full of life and still exhibited the electrifying personality that endeared him to many.
“Kabiyesi himself was already looking forward to celebrating his second anniversary on the throne as arrangements had been put in place to mark the special occasion. But the thoughts of men are not the thoughts of God.
“My sincere condolences go to all sons and daughters of Ibadanland in Nigeria and in Diaspora, members of the Traditional Advisory Council, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians generally.
“While we mourn the departed, let’s take consolation in the realization that Kabiyesi made profound impacts and left indelible impressions in the sands of time.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest.”
In a separate message, the cultural ambassador expressed appreciation to friends and well-wishers who, through calls and messages, commiserated with her over the monarch’s transition.
“I sincerely appreciate the outpourings of condolence messages and calls by friends and well-wishers both in Nigeria and the Diaspora. These messages had further energized me to keep hope alive on the Ibadan Project.
“I want to assure the various associations of Ibadan indigenes in Diaspora, especially Ibadan Professionals (IP) in Beijing, China and Ibadan Prestige Club of Chicago (IPCoC) that the development agenda to make Ibadan one of the greatest cities in the world is still on track as the Olubadan-designate, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, a man of courage and excellence, is set to continue from where Oba Balogun stopped.”
