The Planning Committee for the 90th Birthday Celebration of High Chief Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun, the Balogun of Ogbomosoland, has expressed joy over the safe return of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Gbite Adegoke (GMA), the committee described the rescue of the victims as a moment of great relief and thanksgiving for their families, the school community, Oyo State, and the nation at large.
The committee said the successful rescue was a development worthy of celebration, noting that the safety and well-being of the pupils and teachers remained far more important than any planned social event.
It recalled that the celebration of High Chief Balogun’s 90th birthday, initially scheduled to hold between July 22 and 25, was postponed in solidarity with the abducted pupils, teachers, and their families during the period of uncertainty.
With the victims now safely reunited with their loved ones, the committee said it joined millions of Nigerians in thanking God for the successful rescue. It also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful operation.
The committee equally applauded traditional rulers and key stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the safe return of the victims, particularly the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), the Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao; the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran, and other royal fathers whose interventions and support contributed to the rescue efforts.
According to the statement, a new date for the 90th birthday celebration of High Chief Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun will be announced in due course, while the prayer session earlier scheduled for July 22 will hold as planned.
The committee described the celebrant as a distinguished academic, accomplished administrator, seasoned politician, and respected community leader whose decades of service have positively impacted Ogbomosoland, Oyo State, and Nigeria.
It noted that High Chief Balogun lectured in the Department of History at Makerere University, Uganda, the University of Ibadan, and the University of Ilorin, where he retired. He also served 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 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.
The statement further noted that High Chief Balogun is the National Adviser of Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye, the apex socio-cultural organisation of Ogbomosoland, as well as a prominent member of Ogbomoso Consultative Council (OCC). He currently serves as a member of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Elders’ Forum in Oyo State.
The committee prayed for enduring peace and improved security across Oyo State and Nigeria, urging citizens to continue supporting governments at all levels and security agencies in their collective efforts to protect lives and property.
