Eminent Nigerians from different walks of life on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to elder statesman, renowned historian and ace politician, High Chief Dr Saka Balogun, during a special birthday prayer held at his residence in Ogbomoso to mark his 90th birthday.
The event drew an array of prominent personalities, including former Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Chief Alani Bankole (Apena of Egbaland), Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Babalola, Yusuf Ayinla Afingbaoge Ragaray, Alhaji Monsur Ejide, High Chief Yusuf Kasali Abese of Ogbomoso, Engineer Muftau Open Salawu, National President of the Nurudeen Society of Nigeria, Engineer Abu Salam, Alhaji Bashiru Akanbi Akataapa, Chief Gbite Adegoke, Chief J.G. Adetoro, the Aale Okelerin, Hon. George Ogunlade, Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, and several other distinguished guests.
Delivering the sermon, the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Dr Yunus Olushina Teliat (Ayilara II), described Dr Balogun as a compassionate, selfless and God-fearing leader whose positive influence has transformed countless lives.
According to the cleric, Dr Balogun’s name commands respect and opens doors for many people, while his kindness, humility and unwavering commitment to service have earned him admiration across religious and political divides.
A Former Senator ,Ayoade Adeseun said that although he and Dr Balogun now belong to different political parties, their relationship has remained cordial over the years. He noted that their friendship transcends politics, describing the nonagenarian as a dependable elder statesman who has consistently promoted peace, unity and mutual respect.
The Apena of Egbaland, Chief Alani Bankole, recalled Dr Balogun’s loyalty and steadfast support during his 1983 governorship aspiration in Ogun State. According to him, Dr Balogun stood firmly by him throughout the contest, contributing significantly to his emergence as the party’s candidate.
Bankole also disclosed that he visited Dr Balogun regularly every Friday during his tenure as Presidential Liaison Officer and commended him for playing a pivotal role in the emergence of Dimeji Bankole as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“I will continue to honour and appreciate him for the immense role he has played in my life and in the lives of many others,” Bankole said, adding that they had also worked together politically since 1999.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engineer Muftau Open Salawu, described Dr Balogun as a selfless politician whose life has been marked by truthfulness, honesty and an unwavering commitment to the development of Ogbomoso and Oyo State.
Salawu said the nonagenarian has consistently placed the interests of the people above personal ambition, adding that his integrity, transparency and principled leadership reflect the enduring values for which Ogbomoso leaders are widely respected.
He noted that Dr Balogun’s remarkable contributions to education, politics and public service have made him a role model for younger generations, urging emerging leaders to emulate his legacy of selfless service, patriotism and dedication to the common good.
Speaking on behalf of friends and associates, Alhaji Monsur Ejide described Dr Balogun’s life as a model worthy of emulation, noting that he has recorded success in every sphere through integrity, dedication and selfless service to humanity.
On behalf of the planning committee, Chief Gbite Adegoke explained that recent security developments in Ogbomoso informed the decision to postpone the grand 90th birthday celebration. He said the committee considered it appropriate to reschedule the event in solidarity with the community during the difficult period.
According to him, the celebration will now commence on September 4 with a public lecture, while September 5 has been slated for the book launch and grand reception in honour of the elder statesman.
High Chief Balogun’s illustrious career spans academia, public service and politics. A distinguished historian, he taught at Makerere University, Uganda, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Ilorin, where he retired.
His public service record includes serving as Chairman of the Osun North West Local Schools Board, Presidential Liaison Officer during the administration of the late President Shehu Shagari, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, Commissioner for Finance in the administration of the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo in the old Oyo State, and Chief of Staff to the late former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.
He is also the National Adviser of Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye, the apex socio-cultural organisation of Ogbomosoland, a prominent member of the Ogbomoso Consultative Council (OCC), and currently serves on Governor Seyi Makinde’s Elders’ Forum in Oyo State.
The birthday prayer ended with special prayers for Dr Balogun, his family and the nation, as guests unanimously described the nonagenarian as an exemplary leader, patriot, mentor and bridge-builder whose enduring legacy of integrity, scholarship, public service and statesmanship will continue to inspire generations.
