Last Updated on August 11, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As University Community, Family, Dignitaries Honour the Late Professor at Service of Songs
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has described the late Prof. Elizabeth Balogun, wife of the University’s 4th Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, as a “saint in all ramifications” whose life was defined by peace, kindness, wisdom, selflessness and service to humanity.
Prof. Kehinde stated this today, August 10, 2026, at the first Service of Songs held in honour of the late Professor, marking the commencement of her funeral obsequies.
The Vice-Chancellor said the deceased was a remarkable stabilising force whose influence contributed significantly to peace and harmony within the University, particularly during the tenure of her husband as Vice-Chancellor. “We have been missing her, and we would continue to miss her. She was, and she remains, a reference point in everything that is good,” Prof. Kehinde said.
He stressed that her contributions went far beyond her role as the wife of a Vice-Chancellor, noting that she was an accomplished Academic and Professor of Biochemistry who dedicated herself to teaching, mentoring and developing people. He described her as a deeply committed Christian and Godly woman whose life exemplified the virtues of motherhood, mentorship, peace and selfless service.
Reflecting on his relationship with the Balogun family, the Vice-Chancellor said he had shared a close relationship with the deceased and her family, adding that her exemplary life would remain an enduring legacy.
The Service of Songs featured Bible readings from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Revelation 7:9–17, John 14:1–7 and Revelation 21:1–8. These were followed by testimonies, a sermon and prayers for the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the ceremony was attended by a cross-section of dignitaries, including the representative of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the Gbaja Asoju of Egbaland, High Chief Wole Odekunle; Apena of Egbaland, Chief Alani Bankole; former FUNAAB’s Pro-Chancellor, Chief Lawrence Ayinde Osayemi; Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), Prof. Fatiu Arogundade; Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), Prof. Mufutau Atayese; Vice-Chancellor, Aletheia University, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; former Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako; and the Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), Prof. JonathanAtungwu.
Also present were former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Emeritus Prof. Adebisi Balogun; serving and former Principal Officers of FUNAAB; current and former heads of government agencies and parastatals in Edo and Ogun States; members of the FUNAAB Pensioners Association; captains of industries; members of the clergy; as well as staff, students, friends and associates of the deceased.
The funeral obsequies continue with the second Service of Songs 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 would hold on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the same church, after which a private interment would take place. A reception for guests would follow at the Atlantic Event Palace, Budo-Giwa Road, Ajase-Ipo, Offa Garage, Ilorin.
For sympathisers unable to travel to Ilorin, a virtual participation arrangement has been made at the Reception Centre within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), IBB Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, commencing at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14.
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.
