Family of Late Soun of Ogbomosoland Condemns Saka Balogun’s Disparaging Remarks…….Calls on Public to Ignore Unfounded Allegations

In response to the false allegations, the family of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, in a statement signed by Omoba Aderemi Oyewumi, emphasized that their father’s 48-year reign ushered in unparalleled development in Ogbomosoland.

The statement reads:
“Dr. Saka Balogun’s claims are not only baseless and misleading but also uncivil, malicious, and completely unbecoming of someone of his stature. It is regrettable that a man of his age and experience who ought to be a unifying force in Ogbomosoland has instead chosen to sow division among families, institutions, and the wider community.

“Oba Oyewumi’s reign was characterized by peace, growth, and visionary leadership. His 48 years on the throne brought about significant transformation in Ogbomosoland socially, economically, and politically. His personal business ventures also contributed immensely to the town’s commercial development.

“He consistently prioritized the welfare of the people and the progress of the community over personal interest. He laid a solid foundation for modern Ogbomosoland and served as a rallying point for citizens to participate in its development. His contributions earned him two prestigious national honors- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR)-a testament to his impact on national and community development.

“It is important to highlight that Dr. Balogun himself benefited significantly from Oba Oyewumi’s goodwill. Notably, during the Second Republic (1979–1983), it was the late monarch who facilitated Dr. Balogun’s appointment as Presidential Liaison Officer in President Shehu Shagari’s administration. During this period, Dr. Balogun resided temporarily in the Oyewumi Mansion at Oluyole Estate, Ibadan—one of the Oba’s personal properties made available to him. Additionally, he enjoyed political patronage during the administrations of Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, both with Oba Oyewumi’s quiet support.

“His recent statements, therefore, come across as not only ungrateful but also deeply hypocritical. Over the years, Dr. Balogun has developed a reputation for political opportunism and betrayal-a pattern evident in his dealings with the late Alhaji Olatunji Mohammed, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, and the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, both of whom he is known to have undermined.

“We urge the public to disregard Dr. Balogun’s inflammatory and unfounded remarks. His attempt to position himself as a moral authority in Ogbomosoland is hollow, given his track record. Historical truth must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition or vendetta.

“The legacy of Oba Oyewumi is firmly established in the annals of Ogbomosoland and Nigerian history. No amount of revisionism or character assassination can erase the indelible mark he left behind.

“In conclusion, we remind Dr. Balogun who professes to be a devout Muslim of the words of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), as recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 1393: ‘Do not abuse the dead, for they have attained that which they sent forth.’

“We urge him to reflect sincerely on this Hadith and refrain from speaking ill of a revered monarch who is no longer here to defend himself. Instead, he should focus on the legacy he wishes to leave behind while he still has the opportunity.

“Let us honour the memory of our past leaders with dignity and commit ourselves to unity and continued progress in Ogbomosoland.”