Prominent stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), community leaders and top government functionaries on Sunday converged on Ogbomoso to celebrate the ascension of Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland.
The colourful grand reception, held at the Vival Event Centre, attracted the crème de la crème of society, who gathered to honour the newly installed Balogun and elder statesman as he marked his 84th birthday.
Dr. Balogun, who was born in Dunkwa in the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) and hails from Roe Compound, Isale Afon, Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, is a renowned scholar, administrator and politician with decades of distinguished service to Oyo State and Nigeria. A devout Muslim, he received early Islamic and Qur’anic education in Ogbomoso before attending Ogbomoso Baptist Day School for his primary education and later undergoing teacher training under the Ogbomoso Local Authority between 1955 and 1956.
An alumnus of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Balogun graduated with an Upper Division degree in 1966 and obtained a PhD in History in June 1971. His academic career spanned Ahmadiyya Grammar School, Iwo; Makerere University, Uganda; the University of Ibadan; and the University of Ilorin, where he served until April 1992.
Beyond academia, he served as Secretary to the Ogbomoso Local Authority Town Planning Authority between March 1962 and September 1963, Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Committee in 1979, Public Liaison Officer between January 1980 and September 1982, and later as Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State, based in Abuja, from 2003 to 2006. He is currently a member of the Advisory Council to Governor Seyi Makinde.
The celebration also drew commendations from religious leaders, with the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Imam Yunus Olushina Teliat Ayilara II, PhD, congratulating Dr. Balogun on his installation and describing it as a well-deserved honour for a lifetime of service to society.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the Ogbomosoland Muslim Ummah, Imam Ayilara said Dr. Balogun’s elevation reflects decades of dedication to democratic ideals, sound governance and the empowerment of the people. He described the new Balogun as a formidable political figure whose wise counsel and steadfast commitment to public service have contributed significantly to the political growth of Oyo State and Nigeria.
The Grand Chief Imam further highlighted Dr. Balogun’s contributions beyond politics, noting his role as an accomplished historian and advocate of socio-cultural development and historical preservation. According to him, Dr. Balogun’s initiatives have strengthened unity, promoted cultural values and ensured that lessons from history continue to guide present and future generations.
Imam Ayilara also praised Dr. Balogun’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and rights of the Muslim community, commending his consistent advocacy for fairness, inclusiveness and justice within the wider society. He described Dr. Balogun’s ascension to the ancestral stool of the Balogun Taiwo Atere-Gbebi family as a profound recognition of decades of selfless service and purposeful leadership.
The grand reception was attended by leaders of the PDP in Oyo State, serving and former government officials, traditional title holders and socio-cultural leaders. Dignitaries present included the wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Ajibola Lawal; former First Lady of Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; Alhaji Rasaq Gbadegesin; Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Femi Julius; Chief Jacob Adetoro (Aare); Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, former Chief of Staff to Governor Abiola Ajimobi; serving commissioners; local government council chairmen; Alhaji Monsuru Ejide; General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); and members of the Ogbomoso Community Forum, among others.
In his remarks, Dr. Balogun expressed gratitude to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, the traditional council, political associates, religious leaders and the people of Ogbomoso for the honour bestowed on him, pledging to use his new position to promote unity, peace and sustainable development across Ogbomosoland.
The event featured goodwill messages, prayers and cultural performances celebrating the life, service and enduring legacy of the newly installed Balogun of Ogbomosoland.
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