The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, has passed away.

The 42nd Olubadan died days after marking his second year coronation anniversary..

News of the death of the 81-year-old Ibadan traditional ruler was confirmed by his media aide, Dele Ogunsola, on late Thursday evening.

Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan few hours after admission at the Hospital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first-class traditional ruler ascended the throne on 11 March 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, confirmed the passing away of the Olubadan.

The governor made this announcement in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday night, stating that Olubadan Balogun.

He said the monarch died late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Governor Makinde described the Olubadan as an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever, who made great marks on Ibadanland in just a little over two years of his reign.

He expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased monarch.

He said: “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. Balogun has joined the ancestors.

“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.

“On behalf of the Government and good People of Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland.

“It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”

Earlier on Monday, the Olubadan had expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for clocking two years on the throne.

He thanked members of his advisory council for their unflinching support so far.

The monarch, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, had said the second anniversary, which coincided with the commencement of this year’s Ramadan, was an opportunity for him to ask for prayers for the country.

The monarch said his clocking two years on the throne was a special grace from his creator, which he could not take for granted