Religious leaders and prominent indigenes of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, gathered to offer special prayers for the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun.
Balogun breathed his last on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.
He was buried the following day, Friday, March 15, 2024, in line with Islamic injunctions.
DAILY POST reports that religious leaders and prominent indigenes of the ancient city gathered on Friday to offer special prayers for the soul of the deceased.
The special prayer was held at Mapo Hall.
Muslims, Christians and traditionalists prayed for the repose of the soul of the late monarch.
Some of the personalities present at the eighth-day Fidau prayers included the former governor of the state and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; the younger brother to the late Olubadan, Senator Kola Balogun; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola; and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Segun Olaiwola.
Others are President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Niyi Ajewole; Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaja Saratu Konibaje; Babasale Musulumi of Ibadanland, Alhaji Nureni Akanbi; Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Iswat Ameringun; and local government chairmen in Ibadan.
A professor of Islamic and Arabic Studies, Kamil Oloso, said in his sermon that attending burial ceremonies will teach people that everybody will die one day, irrespective of their status.
He noted that the earth is not the end of everything.
“Earth is not the end of everything. We are all going to heaven. Only those who worship God and are of good behaviour can make heaven. I mean those who are doing good while alive. We should all know that there is heaven, and those who will make heaven are those with good character while alive,” he said.
A Christian cleric, Pastor Olusoji Adediji, while speaking, said the life of a human being is just like a calendar that is going to end one day, saying the deceased has finished his assignments on earth.
He stated that the impact of the late monarch on Ibadanland and the state as a whole cannot be overemphasised.
He said the late monarch saw the grace of God while alive, particularly during his reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Baba lived a good and meaningful life; his name will not be forgotten in Ibadanland and the entire state,” he said.
Olubadan: Religious leaders, Ibadan indigenes offer prayers for Oba Balogun [PHOTOS]
