Biograhpy of late Olubadan, Lekan Balogun

The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, passed away on Thursday, plunging the town into mourning. He died at the age of 81 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Having reigned for two years, the monarch will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the passing of the late monarch, expressing his condolences and describing the loss as the fall of a mighty Iroko.

On Monday, the deceased celebrated his second anniversary on the throne, expressing gratitude to members of his advisory council for their unwavering support.

Here are 10 key facts about the late monarch:

He was born Olalekan Balogun on October 18, 1942, in the Ali-Iwo compound, present-day Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

Balogun pursued higher education, obtaining Doctorate, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees in Public Administration, Public and Social Administration, and Economics.

He attended Columbus International University and Manchester University in the United Kingdom.

Balogun served as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State; Editor of the monthly magazine, The Nigerian Pathfinder; and Director at Triumph Newspaper, Kano State.

He worked as a management consultant for multinational organizations such as Leyland, Exide Battery, and Nigerian Breweries.

Balogun held various positions at Shell British Petroleum Company, including Administrator/Head of Industrial Relations, Recruitment and Scholarships, Planning, and Development units.

He represented the Oyo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003, serving as the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning.

Balogun was a former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party.

Throughout his life, he authored and published several publications, including works like ‘A Review of Nigeria’s 4 years Development Plan, 1970–1974’; ‘Social Justice or Doom’; ‘Power for Sale’; and ‘Arrogance of Power.’

Balogun was crowned the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland by Governor Seyi Makinde on March 11, 2022, succeeding his predecessor, the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.

The passing of Oba Lekan Balogun marks the end of an era in Ibadanland, leaving behind a legacy of service and accomplishment.