From ex-senator to monarch: Profile of late Olubadan, Lekan Balogun

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

The monarch, who reigned for two years, will be laid to rest today, Friday, March 15, 2024, in accordance with Islamic rites at his ancestral home in Aliiwo, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the demise of the late monarch, lamenting, “A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.”

Just days before his passing, on Monday, the late monarch had 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:

1. Born Olalekan Balogun on October 18, 1942, in the Ali-Iwo compound, which is currently located in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.
2. Balogun obtained Doctorate, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees in Public Administration, Public and Social Administration, and Economics, respectively, after completing his O- and A-level programmes.
3. He pursued his education at Columbus International University and Manchester University in the United Kingdom.
4. Balogun’s professional journey included roles as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and positions at various organisations such as the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State; The Nigerian Pathfinder monthly magazine as Editor; and Triumph Newspaper, Kano State, where he served as a Director.
5. He also worked as a management consultant for multinational corporations such as Leyland, Exide Battery, and Nigerian Breweries.
6. Balogun held a significant role at Shell British Petroleum Company, ultimately serving as Administrator/Head of various units including Industrial Relations, Recruitment and Scholarships, Planning, and Development.
7. The late Alli Okunmade II represented the Oyo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003, during which time he chaired the Senate Committee on National Planning.
8. He contested as a governorship candidate under the defunct Nigeria People’s Party.
9. Throughout his lifetime, Balogun authored and published numerous publications, including ‘A Review of Nigeria’s 4 years Development Plan, 1970–1974’, ‘Social Justice or Doom’, ‘Power for Sale’, and ‘Arrogance of Power’.
10. Balogun ascended to the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on March 11, 2022, following the demise of his predecessor, the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.