Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reached out to Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, over the death of his wife, Olori Basirat Ajibola, describing her passing as a painful loss to Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole. The governor, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, extended his heartfelt condolences to the monarch, the Ajibola family and the entire Ibadan traditional institution.
Makinde described the late Olori, who was also the Aare Onibon Iyalode of Ibadanland, as a woman of dignity, compassion and quiet influence, whose presence strengthened the Balogun’s service to Ibadanland. He noted that her support, wisdom and commitment to the well-being of the community contributed significantly to the peace, stability and continuity of the revered traditional institution. “On behalf of the Government and people of Oyo State, I extend my deepest sympathies to Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and the entire family,” the governor said. “Her passing is a painful loss, and we pray that the Almighty grants His Majesty and other members of the family the strength and comfort needed at this difficult time. May her soul rest in perfect peace”.
The death of Olori Ajibola has created a void not only within the royal household but also across the cultural landscape of Ibadanland. As the Aare Onibon Iyalode of Ibadanland, she held a significant traditional title that placed her among the prominent women in the ancient city’s traditional hierarchy. Her role involved supporting the Balogun in his duties and contributing to the broader welfare of the community. Governor Makinde reaffirmed the state government’s solidarity with Ibadanland during this period of mourning, noting that his administration stands with the traditional council and the people of Oyo State as they honour her memory.
The death of the Balogun’s wife comes barely a month after the passing of another prominent traditional title holder in Ibadanland. In September 2026, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, passed away, drawing condolences from the governor and other prominent figures in the state. The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, serves as one of the most senior chiefs in the Olubadan line of succession, and his late wife was a respected figure within the traditional institution and the wider Ibadan community.
Tributes have also come from other quarters. Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, extended his condolences to the Balogun and the Egbe Iyalode of Ibadanland, describing the deceased’s passing as a painful loss. He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives her shortcomings, accepts her good deeds and grants her eternal rest in Aljanah Firdaus. “My thoughts and prayers are with Kabiyesi, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, and the entire family during this period of profound grief. May Almighty Allah comfort you, strengthen you, and grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Sanusi said.
The Balogun of Ibadanland is one of the most senior titles in the city’s traditional chieftaincy system, and its holder is a member of the Olubadan-in-Council. The death of the Balogun’s wife is therefore a significant event within the traditional institution, and it has drawn the attention of political and traditional leaders across the state. Governor Makinde’s decision to issue a formal condolence message underscores the importance the Oyo State Government attaches to the traditional institution and its recognition of the role played by the wives of traditional rulers in supporting their husbands’ duties and contributing to community development.
The governor’s message also reflects a broader pattern of engagement between the Makinde administration and the Ibadan traditional institution. In March 2024, the governor paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, where he pledged that the state government would give the late monarch a befitting burial. He has consistently maintained a close relationship with the Olubadan-in-Council and has supported the traditional institution through the re-constitution of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The governor’s reaffirmation of the state government’s support for Ibadanland during this period of mourning is consistent with that pattern of engagement.
For the people of Ibadanland, the death of Olori Basirat Ajibola represents the loss of a respected matriarch whose contributions to the community extended beyond her role as the wife of a senior traditional ruler. For the Ajibola family, it is a deeply personal loss that has drawn condolences from across the state. For the Oyo State Government, the death is an occasion to reaffirm its solidarity with the traditional institution and the people of Ibadanland as they mourn. As Governor Makinde put it, her legacy of humility and service would continue to be remembered with deep respect by all who encountered her, and her passing is a painful loss that will be felt across Ibadanland and Oyo State.
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