The family of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, CON, CFR, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, has strongly condemned the derogatory and misleading remarks made by Dr. Saka Balogun, a former Chief of Staff in the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Dr. Balogun, while speaking on the programme “Ogbomoso Segiri” aired recently on Imole TV and anchored by Josiah Adebayo, made assertions that the family has described as false, malicious, and unbecoming.
“It is deeply unfortunate that a man of his age and experience, who should be promoting unity in Ogbomosoland, has instead chosen to sow seeds of discord and division among families, institutions, and the community at large,” the family stated.
They emphasized that the 48-year reign of Oba Oyewumi was distinguished by peace, progress, and visionary leadership, noting that the late monarch transformed Ogbomosoland socially, economically, and politically. His personal investments in commerce and his commitment to community development, the family added, laid the foundation for the town’s growth.
In recognition of his immense contributions to nation-building and development, Oba Oyewumi was conferred with two national honours—Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
The family also recalled that Dr. Balogun himself benefitted from the monarch’s generosity. In the Second Republic, Oba Oyewumi facilitated Dr. Balogun’s appointment as Presidential Liaison Officer under President Shehu Shagari and even provided him temporary accommodation at his Oluyole Estate residence in Ibadan. Similarly, other political opportunities came his way during the administrations of Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, also with the monarch’s tacit support.
“His present outburst is therefore not only ungrateful but also hypocritical. Dr. Balogun has built a reputation for political opportunism and betrayal, a pattern witnessed in his relationships with leaders such as the late Alhaji Olatunji Mohammed and the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, both of whom he reportedly undermined,” the statement added.
The family urged the public to disregard Dr. Balogun’s claims, describing them as baseless, provocative, and self-serving. They stressed that no attempt at revisionism or character assassination could diminish the enduring legacy of Oba Oyewumi, which is already firmly etched in history.
Quoting a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) as recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 1393: “Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they sent forth”, the family urged Dr. Balogun to reflect on the teachings of Islam and refrain from disparaging a revered traditional ruler who cannot defend himself.
“Rather than maligning the memory of a respected monarch, Dr. Balogun should ponder on the legacy he hopes to leave behind,” the statement concluded.
The family called on all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to continue to uphold the values of unity, peace, and progress championed by the late Soun.
Signed:
For the family of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, CON, CFR
(Soun of Ogbomosoland)
Omoba (Dr.) Aderemi Oyewumi
22nd August, 2025
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