Oladele Ogunsola, the Media Director to the late Olubadan, Oba Balogun Olekan, Alli Okunmade II, has disclosed that the monarch was once shot by armed robbers but he survived it, noting that his ascension to the throne was a function of destiny.
Ogunsola made this disclosure while speaking with newsmen on his last moment before the demise of the monarch.
Olubadan who reigned for two years, died at the age of 81 late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The monarch’s remains will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024.
While expressing shock over his passing, Ogunsola explained that Olubadan was not sick when he was with him on Monday and Tuesday which completed his two years anniversary on the throne.
He said the traditional ruler’s demise was shocking and unexpected because it was the first time they would be visiting the hospital.
Ogunsola said, “It was shocking. Very shocking. It was unexpected because it was the first time we would be going to the hospital. I don’t even take the sickness serious because I was thinking it was one those minor sicknesses.”
“On Monday, which was his second anniversary on the throne, we were together. We chatted and read the newspapers together and he never complained of any serious sickness.
“But on Wednesday morning he asked me to take him to the hospital. I was just surprised when I was informed of his death late Thursday night.
On his last moment with him, the monarch’s spokesman said, “My last moment with him was very glorious and very sad. I don’t know what happened that day. I don’t normally take pictures. But maybe it was because it was the Olubadan’s anniversary.
“I called the photographer to snap me with ‘Kabiyesi’, he said he was going to bring his phone. The photographer went away and he didn’t come back. That’s the sad aspect of it.
Speaking further, Ogunsola point out how the former Senator became a king was the work of destiny.
“Late Olubadan told me a while ago his coming to the throne was a function of destiny, that he even ascended the throne at all was against all odds. Anybody who might have been following him we know that he was destined to rule.
“Some years ago, I think in 1986 or so, those of you who were old enough to Know ‘Peugeot 505 Evolution’ then, he was in the car at the Challenge area of Ibadan when he had an encounter with armed robbers face to face. He was shot but to the glory of God, he survived it.
“Aside that, to become ‘Magaji’ in Ibadan is as simple as anything, but to come to the line is not an easy task. But to the glory of God he came to the line and gradually Balogun became Olubadan. That happening took him to his very foundation.”
