The garlands of honour for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II has swelled with his nomination for the award of Honorary Degree at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of the first private University in Ibadan, the Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan.
In the letter of nomination for the award dated 2nd November, 2023 and signed by the University Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Oyebola Ayeni, Olubadan was nominated for the award of the degree of Doctor of Science, Public Administration (Honoris Causa) of the University.
According to the letter, “this award is in consideration of your immense contributions in the area of public service, your professional accomplishments, your philanthrophic efforts, your position as a respected first class Oba and custodian of tradition coupled with your support and dedication to the development of education in Oyo State and Nigeria.
“Our honorary degrees are awarded to people of exceptional merit and character. The recipients of our honorary degrees are expected to receive the degrees in person and without any obligation”, the letter added.
Oba Balogun, a graduate of Brunel University, United Kingdom where he studied for his Master’s Degree and P.hd in Economics and Administration was a Research Fellow at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria from where he proceeded to the Shell British Petroleum Company (Shell BP) before venturing into private business and politics.
Olubadan became Mogaji in 1986 and began climbing the ladder to the Olubadan throne in 1989 when he was appointed Jagun Olubadan, rose through the long titles before he was installed as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on 11th March, 2022 at the age of 79 having been born on 18th October, 1942.
In his acceptance letter signed by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, Oba Balogun “notes with appreciation the giant strides your institution has made in its few years of existence and essentially the growth and development being attracted to Ibadanland”.
Oba Balogun further said “it is a thing of joy and pride for His Majesty to be considered worthy of the degree of the institution and he is very pleased to associate with such a very progressive and visionary institution”.
The Convocation Ceremony holds on the 6th December, 2023 at the University’s Adeline Hall.
