Oba Lekan Balogun, also recognized as Moshood Olalekan Balogun, was an esteemed Nigerian sovereign who occupied the throne as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland. His tenure commenced on March 11, 2022, subsequent to a coronation event presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Born on October 18, 1942, within the Ali-Iwo compound of what is presently known as the Ibadan North East Local Government Area in Oyo State, Nigeria, Oba Balogun possessed a diverse and affluent heritage prior to his ascension. He furthered his education in the United Kingdom, securing his Ordinary and Advanced level certificates while concurrently engaging in part-time employment for self-sustenance. His educational pursuits culminated at Brunel University, where he was conferred with a Master’s degree in Administration and Economics in 1973. Additionally, he briefly served at the Lambeth Local Government Social Services Department in the UK.
Oba Balogun’s professional trajectory was notably characterized by his active engagement in politics; he sought the presidency under the Social Democratic Party (S.D.P.) and vied for the gubernatorial seat in Oyo State on the People’s Democratic Party (P.D.P.) platform. His legislative tenure included representing the Oyo Central senatorial district as a senator from 1999 to 2003, during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. In this capacity, he chaired the Senate Committee on National Planning and participated in various other committees, such as Appropriations, Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs, and Defence (Army).
Prior to his political endeavors, Oba Balogun was an academician, lecturing at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State. His journalistic career involved editorial responsibilities for The Nigerian Pathfinder magazine and a directorial role at Triumph Newspaper in Kano. His corporate experience was marked by his tenure with Shell British Petroleum Company, where he ascended to the role of Administrator/Head of Industrial Relations, Recruitment and Scholarships, Planning and Development units.
As a prolific author, Oba Balogun penned several works, including “A Review of Nigeria’s 4 years’ Development Plan, 1970–1974,” “Social Justice or Doom,” “Power for Sale,” and “Arrogance of Power.” His intellectual contributions and leadership in various domains were widely acknowledged.
In his private life, Oba Balogun was a devout adherent of Islam, a husband to two spouses, and a progenitor to his offspring. His personal and vocational experiences profoundly influenced his rule as Olubadan, where he was celebrated for his worldly perspective and substantial contributions to the cultural and historical fabric of Ibadanland.
The demise of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 15, 2024, signified the conclusion of a remarkable epoch in Ibadanland, as he is commemorated for his eminent stature and the lasting impressions he engraved upon history’s canvas.
