Oba Balogun was presented staff of office by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as the 42nd Olubadan after the late Oba Saliu Adetunji, died.
Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on media, Oladele Ogunsola, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the second anniversary, which coincided with the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast, was also used as an opportunity by the monarch to ask for prayers for the country by the Islamic faithful and expression of love for one another to make the period stress-free for the adherents.
The monarch said his clocking two years on the throne was a special grace by his creator and which he could not take for granted.
He said, “Two years just look like yesterday to me. But for those of you around me, I could not have imagined that two years have gone by just like that. I owe God every gratitude for the grace and privilege. I thank Him too for surrounding me with wonderful and loving people, who have made the reign seamless and peaceful.
“Of particular reference are my brothers and sister in the Advisory Council. They have been tremendously wonderful in terms of support and cooperation for which I cannot thank them enough. I can only pray that when it is their turn to occupy the seat, they won’t lack worthy people around them. I also thank the generality of the people of Ibadanland, both at home and in their diaspora for their unflinching loyalty and dependability.”
On Ramadan fast that began on Monday, Olubadan emphasized the need for prayers for the country during the period, taking into cognisance the current challenges confronting the country.
He said, “The month is very auspicious to offer prayers for the leaders to sail the ship of the country to a safe harbour.
“There’s no better time than now to engage in intense prayers for the country by bringing before Him our challenges and the honour assigned to the month of Ramadan would avail for us and our requests shall be granted. Again, this is also the best of times to be our brothers’ keepers by sharing with our neighbours out of the little or abundance we are blessed with.
“He loves a cheerful giver and our little help here and there for our neighbours could make a big difference and make the month a stress-free one. I pray for all that as we have all commenced the Ramadan Fast with Bismillah, we shall all end it with joyful Alhamudulilahi.”
