Family of late Soun of Ogbomosoland rebukes Saka Balogun over ‘malicious remarks’

The family of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, CON, CFR, the immediate past Soun of Ogbomosoland, has issued a strong rebuttal to what it described as “derogatory, misleading, and malicious” statements credited to Dr. Saka Balogun, a former Chief of Staff during the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Balogun had made the controversial remarks during a recent episode of “Ogbomoso Segiri,” a radio programme anchored by Josiah Adebayo and aired on Imole TV.

His comments, which the family described as unbecoming and divisive, allegedly sought to cast aspersions on the reputation and legacy of the late monarch.

In a statement signed by Omoba Aderemi Oyewumi, the family stressed that Oba Oyewumi’s 48-year reign brought unprecedented development, peace, and progress to Ogbomosoland. The late monarch, it noted, not only provided visionary leadership but also laid a solid foundation for the social, political, and economic transformation of the town.

His immense contributions, they said, earned him national recognition, including two honours — Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

The family emphasized that Oba Oyewumi’s legacy was not limited to his throne but extended to his personal investments and commercial ventures, which provided employment and boosted the local economy. “He put people and community above self, serving as a rallying point for unity and development in Ogbomosoland,” the statement read.

Turning to Balogun, the family accused him of being a direct beneficiary of the late monarch’s goodwill.

It recalled that during the Second Republic, Oba Oyewumi facilitated Balogun’s appointment as Presidential Liaison Officer in President Shehu Shagari’s administration and even provided him temporary accommodation at his Oluyole estate mansion in Ibadan. The family also alleged that Oba Oyewumi supported Balogun’s political career during the administrations of Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Given this history, the family described Balogun’s latest comments as “ungrateful, hypocritical, and self-serving,” adding that he has built a reputation for political opportunism and betrayal — a pattern they claim was evident in his dealings with late Deputy Governor Alhaji Olatunji Mohammed and late Governor Alao-Akala.

“We urge the public to disregard Dr. Balogun’s baseless and provocative claims. His attempt to recast himself as the moral compass of Ogbomosoland collapses under the weight of his own record. History must not be twisted to satisfy personal grudges or ambitions,” the family declared.

The statement further reminded Balogun, who identifies as a devout Muslim, of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) in Sahih al-Bukhari 1393: “Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they sent forth.”

The family urged him to reflect on this Hadith and to refrain from making disparaging remarks about a revered ruler who is no longer alive to defend himself.

Concluding, the family called on all stakeholders in Ogbomosoland to honour the memory of Oba Oyewumi with dignity, protect the integrity of historical truth, and work collectively for unity and progress in the community.