Late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun: Biography, Cause Of Death, Real Age, Family, Education, Net Worth & More

Indigenes and residents of Ibadan and thousands of Yoruba in home and abroad have begun to mourn the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun who died on March 14, 2024, Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. This piece delves into the life, career, and untimely passing of the Monarch.

Biography

Oba Lekan Balogun’s political journey traversed various echelons, from his aspirations as a presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (S.D.P.) to his gubernatorial bid with the People’s Democratic Party (P.D.P.) in Oyo State within the current political milieu.

During the Fourth Republic, Oba Lekan Balogun served as a distinguished senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the Oyo Central senatorial district with honor and dedication.

Throughout his tenure as a senator from 1999 to 2003, Oba Lekan Balogun held significant positions, notably chairing the Senate Committee on National Planning and contributing actively to various committees such as Appropriations, Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs, and Defence (Army).

Before his illustrious political career, Oba Lekan Balogun established himself as a reputable figure in academia, having served as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and as an editor for the influential monthly magazine, The Nigerian Pathfinder.

Additionally, he lent his expertise to the media industry, serving as a director at Triumph Newspaper in Kano and contributing as a management consultant for esteemed multinational organizations including Leyland, Exide Battery, and Nigerian Breweries.

Oba Lekan Balogun’s professional journey also included a significant tenure at Shell British Petroleum Company, where he ascended to the role of Administrator/Head, overseeing crucial departments such as Industrial Relations, Recruitment and Scholarships, and Planning and Development.

As a prolific writer and thinker, Oba Lekan Balogun contributed extensively to the intellectual discourse of his time, publishing insightful works such as “A Review of Nigeria’s 4 years’ Development Plan, 1970–1974,” “Social Justice or Doom,” “Power for Sale,” and “Arrogance of Power.”

Oba Lekan Balogun’s deep ties to his ancestral land were evident in his traditional roles, notably serving as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, one of the foremost traditional chiefs in the revered Ibadanland community.

In a momentous occasion, Oba Lekan Balogun was crowned as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on March 11, 2022, a testament to his enduring commitment to his people and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The life and legacy of Oba Lekan Balogun are characterized by a remarkable blend of academic prowess, political acumen, and cultural stewardship, leaving an indelible imprint on the collective memory of Nigeria and beyond.

Cause Of Death

Oba Lekan Balogun died on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State after a brief illness.

Date of Birth

He was born on 18th October, 1942 in Ibadan and died on 14th March, 2024 at the age of 81.

Family

Oba Lekan Balogun was a Muslim and was married to two wives with children.

Education

Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun entered the world on October 18, 1942, hailing from the Ali-Iwo compound situated in what is now the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. His humble beginnings laid the foundation for a journey marked by determination and scholarly pursuits.

Venturing abroad to the United Kingdom, Balogun embarked on his educational odyssey, simultaneously balancing his studies with part-time employment to support himself. Completing his O- and A-level certifications, he transitioned to Brunel University, where he delved into the realms of Administration and Economics, culminating in the attainment of a master’s degree in 1973.

Following his academic triumphs, Balogun briefly immersed himself in the realm of public service, contributing his skills to the Lambeth Local Government Social Services Department for a period of one-and-a-half years. However, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he redirected his focus towards the pursuit of a doctoral degree, eager to delve deeper into his academic passions.

Net Worth

His networth is undisclosed at the moment. However, In a remarkably brief span of time, he etched his legacy as a dynamic force in Nigerian politics, championing progressive causes and advocating for the marginalized masses. Transitioning from activism to formal politics, he emerged as a pivotal figure within one of the country’s major political parties, the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), under the leadership of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. However, his ascent was abruptly halted by the military coup of December 1983, ushering in a period of nearly 16 years marked by political exile and adversity.

Despite the challenges posed by political upheaval and repression, he remained steadfast in his commitment to public service and societal change. With the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999, he resurfaced on the political stage, this time as a senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His return signaled a resurgence of his political career, as he once again embarked on the journey of legislative governance, poised to continue his advocacy for democratic ideals and the welfare of the Nigerian people.