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Authorities of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have said that they gave adequate care to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, when he was brought to the hospital on Wednesday.
Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mrs Funmilayo Adetuyibi, stated this in an interview on Friday in Ibadan.
Oba Balogun joined his ancestors on Thursday evening during a brief illness at the age of 81.
Adetuyibi said that the late traditional ruler was brought to the hospital on Wednesday and died at the intensive care unit on Thursday night.
“As everyone knows, the first goal of our hospital is to take care of our patients.
“Adequate and proper care was given to Oba Balogun during the little time he stayed at the hospital,” she said.
“He came in at around 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday and died at exactly 9.05 p.m. on Thursday,” she said.
The UCH spokesperson, however, declined when asked about the disease that the late Olubadan was suffering from which eventually resulted in his death.
News of the death of the traditional ruler was also confirmed by his family, media aide, Dele Ogunsola, and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, late Thursday evening.
It was gathered that the late royal father was sick and remained indoors throughout Tuesday before he was taken to UCH on Wednesday.
The first-class traditional ruler, who ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree holder, former university lecturer and senator between 1999 and 2003.
Balogun, who died barely 72 hours after celebrating two years on the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, will be buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home by 4 p.m. today (Friday) according to Islamic rites.
He is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.
President Tinubu mourns Olubadan of Ibadan
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has received news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, with a deep sense of grief.
This is contained in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Friday in Abuja.
He said the President commiserated with the family of Olubadan, government of Oyo State, Olubadan-in-Council, Oyo State Traditional Council and people of Ibadanland over the loss.
Ngelale said that Tinubu mourned the Olubadan and celebrated the Oba’s remarkable life of service to his people, state, and the nation.
“His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity. He was compassionate, courageous, and an unrelenting advocate of the pristine ideals of peace, honesty, and unity.
”His wise counsel will be sorely missed at this time in the life of our country.”
He added that the President urged all who are in mourning to find solace in the immortal legacies of the Olubadan, stating that he lived eternally in his good deeds and in the memories of everyone touched by his essence.
The Presidential spokesman said Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those mourning the sad loss.
The Olubadan died on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan after a brief illness and would be buried on Friday, according to Islamic rites.
Balogun was a former federal legislator in the upper chambers and an accomplished businessman before ascending the throne.
Recall that the first-class traditional ruler ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.