Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has mourned the death of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed on at the age of 81.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu stated the active years of the highly respected monarch in politics, saying that he contributed immensely to the socio-political development of his State.
It would be recalled that late Alli Okunmade II represented the Oyo Central Senatorial District of Oyo State in the National Assembly between 1999 and 2003, where he served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning.
Kalu also said that as a traditional ruler, the late Oba upheld the rich cultural heritages of the people and made notable impacts during his reign.
The Deputy Speaker however regretted that the 42nd Olubadan died when his elderly advice was greatly needed even as he believed that no one can question God.
Hon.Kalu said that the State, the entire Yoruba race and indeed, the country would surely miss the departed.
Commiserating with the immediate family of the deceased, the Olubadan-in-Council, the people and the government of Oyo State, the deputy speaker prayed to God to grant the soul of Alli Okunmade II eternal rest.
In the same vein, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has also mourned the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died on Thursday.
Senator Barau in a condolence message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, described the late monarch was a symbol of peace and unity.
Consoling the immediate family of the late monarch, the Oyo State Government and the entire nation, Senator Barau prayed for the gentle soul of the deceased to rest in peace.
” The late monarch was a symbol of peace and unity. Throughout his brief but eventful reign as Olubadan, he preached peace, and promoted peace and unity not only in Ibadan but across Oyo State, the South West and the country as a whole,” he said.
The Deputy President of the Senate urged those the monarch left behind to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived an impactful life and contributed immensely to the advancement of humanity.