The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, was on Sunday, 29th January 2023, conferred upon with the honorary title of Ezi-Ogo Ukwu Ndigbo, which simply means, the ‘great in-law of the Igbo people’.
Chief of Staff to the Monarch, H.R.H Princess Olayinka Balogun, who received the award and title on Olubadan’s behalf at Oba Akinbiyi High School 2, beside Premier Hotel junction, road, Ibadan, noted that Kabiyesi’s journey with the great people of Igboland started over 50 years ago.
While adding that His Imperial Majesty met and fell in love with Princess Olayinka’s mother in London, who is from Onitsha and speaks fluent Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, married her at Lambeth Registry in London on 1st February 1973, Princess Olayinka said she is “proudly a product of that fusion of destinies and the union.”
H.R.H Princess Olayinka, on behalf of the monarch, further thanked the Igbo community for their show of love and support for her father.
She equally appealed to them to continue to live in peace in Ibadanland and not only see His Imperial Majesty as their ogo (meaning in-law) but also as father.
When presented with his certificate and plaque later at the Palace, the Monarch, who spoke on the phone with the Ezendigbo nala Ibadanland, thanked him and the igbo community for their honour and love, “Dalu so, ogo m”.
Kabiyesi also mentioned that the Obi of Onitsha was his colleague at Shell and the Onitsha monarch remains a very good friend.
Ezendigbo, in his response, showered the Monarch with prayers and assured His Imperial Majesty of the continued love and utmost regard of the igbo community.
The call ended with Princess Olayinka also thanking the Ezendigbo and reminding him that the Palace doors will always be open to them to visit her father.
