Family holds 41-day prayer for late Olubadan

Wednesday (today) is the 41st day of Muslim prayers in honour of Oba Lekan Balogun, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented the supreme monarch with the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office on March 11, 2022. The ruler ruled for two years before passing away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.

Family sources say that the prayer will begin at 11 a.m. in the Alliwo Family Compound, and that immediately following the prayer, guests will be entertained at the late Oba Balogun's private home in Alarere, the state capital of Ibadan.

"Yes, we are holding a small reception in honour of Baba today at the palace," the palace employee who provided the information said. There will be a prayer meeting at Alliwo at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at Alarere.
Some High Chiefs of Ibadanland would be present to honour the late king, according to a second source close to the palace.

"We told very few people about it. Avoid being overly complex. Another family source affirmed, "As a sign of honour and respect, we just informed some strategic people, like the High Chiefs of Ibadanland."

The late Olubadan's Personal Assistant (Media), Dele Ogunsola, confirmed the development over the phone with our correspondent, answering "Yes." This morning we are praying the 41st Fidau for Baba, the late His Imperial Majesty. It has been precisely forty-one days since he joined his ancestors.