Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
The late Professor (Pastor) Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun, wife of former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, would begin her final journey home with a series of funeral activities scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Ilorin, Kwara State, from August 10 to 15, 2026.
The Ag. Head, Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, disclosed this in a statement, noting that Prof. Elizabeth Balogun, who was born on March 2, 1954, passed away on June 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, humility, scholarship and dedicated service. He stated that family members described her as a virtuous woman whose life was marked by grace, selfless service and unwavering Christian commitment.
Mr. Olajide further stated that her husband, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, is widely regarded as the Architect of Modern FUNAAB, having transformed the University through far-reaching infrastructural development, academic expansion, research advancement and strategic reforms during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor from May 24, 2007, to May 23, 2012.
According to him, under Prof. Balogun’s leadership, FUNAAB witnessed significant growth in teaching, research, innovation and international collaborations, laying a solid foundation for many of the institutional milestones and global recognitions the University enjoys today. He added that the University’s largest edifice, the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, which comfortably seats more than 2,500 guests, was named in his honour in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the institution.
Mr. Olajide said that, according to the funeral programme released by the Balogun family, the first Service of Songs would be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the family residence, Olufunmilayo Villa, Ibara GRA, Abeokuta.
He added that a second Service of Songs is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UMCA Chapel of Redemption, Gaa-Akanbi, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The funeral service, he said, would take place on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the same church, after which a private interment would follow. A reception for guests would be held at the Atlantic Event Palace, Budo-Giwa Road, Ajase-Ipo, Offa Garage, Ilorin.
Mr. Olajide also disclosed that, for sympathisers unable to travel to Ilorin, arrangements have been made for virtual participation at the Reception Centre located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), IBB Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14.
He stated that the funeral activities would conclude with a thanksgiving reception on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Plots 8 and 10, Femi Balogun Close, Tanke-Ilede Community, Ilorin.
Mr. Olajide said the Balogun family has invited friends, associates, colleagues and well-wishers to join in celebrating the life and enduring legacy of the late Professor (Pastor) Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun, whose life, they said, was defined by faith, compassion and service to God and humanity.
