The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, who died on Thursday night will be buried Friday, March 15, 2024.
A source close to the family of the late monarch disclosed that the king is likely to be buried according to Islamic injunction by 4:pm at Aliwo Palace, where all his ancestors were buried.
Oba Balogun, a former lawmaker who represented Oyo Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003, was born in 1942 and was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji. Adetunji, 93, who died January 2, 2022, after reigning from 4th March 2016.
Meanwhile, all things being equal, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun of Ibadanland, who is the head of the military line of the Olubadan system, is set to succeed the deceased monarch to become the next Olubadan of Ibadan.
From Friday, palace drummers would move from Alli-Iwo to the Ita Baale Palace of Ọba Olakulehin, heralding his symbolic ascension of the throne.
Olakulehin’s son, Sunbo Owolabi, was Commissioner for Water Resources in the administration of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Next in line to Olakulehin is Rashidi Ladoja, former governor and senator, who heads the civil line as Otun Olubadan of Ibadan.
The death of Oba Balogun and assumption of office of another Olubadan will cause promotion in the Olubadan system, especially in the Balogun line from where the new Olubadan will emerge.