The immediate past VC, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun in different chieftaincy titles’ regalia

The four geo-political zone of Ogun State, otherwise known as RIYE literarily stood still in honour of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun for two days, as major ancient cities in the area conferred on him five prestigious chieftaincy titles, in appreciation of his immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the areas.

It was a robust and historic meeting of the Town and Gown as well as high level celebration of cultural norms and academic values as the honorary train and entourage of Professor Balogun moved from Odogbolu to Ode-Lemo, negotiating Isaga-Orile, enroute Gbagura and stopping at Ake Palace, Abeokuta.

Professor Balogun and his entourage was well received by a tumultuous crowd of people of the aforementioned town who received him with yourba traditional instruments (Gangan, dundun, sekere and Ijala; Praise folk song)

At the end of the ceremony, which lasted two days, Professor Balogun enviably emerged a multiple chieftaincy title holder, spanning five major cities in four geopolitical axis of the state.

The forebears of the ancient town of Odogbolu in Ijebu axis rejoiced in their ancestral cacoon as the Alaye of Odogbolu, HRM, Adedeji Onagoruwa, his High Chiefs and subjects conferred the revered chieftaincy title of Ologben (Captain of farmers) Odogolu on Professor Balogun.

Oba Onagoruwa stated that Professor Balogun was honoured with the Chieftaincy title because of his immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the society.

According to the learned monarch, “Professor Balogun is one of the most brilliant Nigerians, to be given a Chieftaincy title”.

The ancient town of Isaga-Orile in Yewa axis of the state delved into jubilation spree when the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile, HRM, Joseph Oladele Tella honoured the immediate Vice-Chancellor with the title of Akinfimojoye of Isaga-Orile.

Ode-Lemo, a prominent town in the Ijebu-axis was also on song when the Lemo of Ode-Lemo, HRM Samuel Talibi Solesi conferred Professor Balogun with the title of Otunba Atuluse of the town.

Oba Solesi, speaking through the Otun Balogun of Ode-Lemo, High Chief T.O Saibu, described the recipient as a person with a proven pedigree of performance while at the helm of affairs at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

He, however, declared that villagers of Ode-Lemo should encourage their children to go to school, most especially, the girl-child even though they are learning trade or handwork.

The legends of Agura toasted to the progress of the sprawling city when the Agura of Gbagura, HRM (Dr.) Halidu Laloko, Sobekun II honoured the Professor Balogun with the prestigious title of Baloye of Gbagura Land.

Speaking during the Chieftaincy conferment rites, the Agura of Gbagura land, Oba (Dr.) Halidu Adedayo Laloko described the recipient as an outstanding achiever, who had made a difference in the lives of so many.

It was a grand finale and the ambience evinced no less at Ake Palace when the whole of Egbaland came alive as the Paramount Ruler and Alake, HRM (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo honoured Professor Balogun with the title of Fimogbayi of Egbaland.

Speaking at one of the occasions at the Alake’s Palace, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Okukenu IV) disclosed that the title, “Fimogbayi of Egbaland” was conferred on Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun as an indication of his remarkable services to the society.

Oba Gbadebo appreciated the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Chief Lawrence Ayinde Olakunle Osayemi for his support during the tenure of Professor Balogun as Vice-Chancellor.

Responding, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor and the recipient of the Chieftaincy titles, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun disclosed that the honours bestowed on him were great and he will not relent in his effort at sustaining the greatness.

Meanwhile, the 20th Convocation Lecturer, Professor Oladapo Abraham Afolabi and his wife Mrs. Adeola Afolabi was jointly conferred with Chieftaincy titles of “Aare Bobajiro” and “Yeye Aare Bobajiro” of Gbagura Land by the Agura of Gbagura Land, Oba (Dr.) Halid Adedayo Laloko.

They were also equally conferred with the title of “Fimotolu” and Erelu Fimotolu of Egbaland” by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.