The family members of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun CFR has alleged mismanagement, misconduct on the part of the monarch’s brother, Senator Kola Balogun.
In a letter circulating online, the Aremo Olubadan, Prince Femi Balogun, in a statement signed on behalf of the family has demanded proper accountability from the former senator, represented Oyo South.
According to the Aremo, Mr Balogun for over a year has been carrying himself around as defacto Olubadan, by even performing unauthorised Official duties of the monarch.
Aremo said, Senator Kola Balogun is supretendent over
some valuable properties of Oba Balogun, without recourse to the monarch and his children.
He said, Senator Kola Balogun’s refusal to provide a satisfactory account of the properties and various funds and assets in his care, not only undermines the trust of the Aliiwo Royal Dynasty of Ibadanland but also threatens the integrity of Olubadan as an institution.
Among the misdemeanor which according to him committed by Senator Balogun include non rendering of the account accrued from the installation of Baales and Mogajis from January 1st 2023 to 25th September, 2023 at a standard payment of N850,000 per each installation running into Millions of Naira.
Others are donation of First Bank in local and foreign currency last year for Kabiesi’s invitation to their event in London, proceeds of funds accrued from the award of honorary Chieftaincy on the former Governor of Kano State His Excellency Abdullahi Umar Gadunje by His Imperial Majesty and gifts supposedly from the award of Commander of federal republic bestowed on Olubadan by former President Mohammadu Buhari in 2022.
The Olubadan’s eldest son said it is even surprising that either the monarch or children can know the status of the properties belonging to royal father.
These, according to him, include “five luxury properties, including a hotel and four (4) exotic vehicles, all in Lagos were awarded to His Imperial Majesty by a competent court which were seized from the arrested fraudsters who duped Kabiesi from 2017 to 2021 and millions of Naira in gifts and cash received by Senator Balogun on behalf of His Imperial Majesty for his one year anniversary, which was celebrated in August 2023.
“The responsibility bestowed upon Senator Kola Balogun in managing these assets and funds is significant and demands a high degree of Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability. However, he has failed to fulfill these responsibilities in the sense that there is no Monthly or Annual report from him so far on these Assets, thereby raising serious questions about his actions, inactions, and intentions.
“The lack of transparency and accountability in Senator Kola Balogun’s handling of these assets raises several critical concerns:
“Senator Kola Balogun’s failure to account for all these above monies and assets running into millions of Naira entrusted to him is a clear indication of financial mismanagement. Therefore, His Imperial Majesty, the revered Monarchs’ immediate children, and indeed the Royal Family Dynasty of Aliiwo have a right to know the status of the funds and properties placed in the care of Sen. Kola Balogun”, he said.
Aremo Balogun therefore called for a thorough investigation to be launched into Senator Kola Balogun’s management of the aforementioned funds and assets.
“This investigation should include a detailed examination of financial records, property ownership documents, and any other relevant documentation,” he demanded.
He added, “it is imperative that somebody in a position of trust, uphold the highest standard of ethics, accountability and transparency at all times.
