President Bola Tinubu has received the news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, with a deep sense of grief.

In a statement on Friday by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, Mr Tinubu commiserates with the family of Olubadan, the Oyo government,  Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland over the loss.

Mr Ngelale said Mr Tinubu mourned Olubadan and celebrated the monarch’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,” said Mr Ngelale.

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 the memories of everyone touched by his essence.

The presidential spokesman said Mr Tinubu prayed for the repose of the departed’s soul and comfort for those mourning the sad loss.

Olubadan died on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after a brief illness and would be buried on Friday, according to Islamic rites.

Mr Balogun was a former federal legislator in the upper chambers and a businessman before ascending the throne.

The first-class traditional ruler ascended the throne on March 11, 2022, after the demise of his predecessor, Saliu Adetunji.

(NAN)