The award of Honorary Doctorate Degree will be conferred on the first-class traditional ruler at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of the university on 6 December.
As contained in a letter by the Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Oyebola Ayeni, dated 2 November, 2023, Oba Balogun was nominated for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Science, Public Administration (Honoris Causa) of the university.
“This award is in consideration of your immense contributions in the area of public service, your professional accomplishments, your philanthrophic efforts.
“[It is also in recognition of] your position as a respected first-class oba and custodian of tradition coupled with your support and dedication to the development of education in Oyo State and Nigeria.
“Our honorary degrees are awarded to people of exceptional merit and character.
“The recipients of our honorary degrees are expected to receive the degrees in person and without any obligation,” it was stated in the letter.
Oba Balogun is a graduate of Brunel University, United Kingdom where he studied for his Master’s Degree and Ph.D in Economics and Administration.
He was a Research Fellow at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria from where he proceeded to the Shell British Petroleum Company (Shell BP) before venturing into private business and politics.
Olubadan became mogaji in 1986 and began climbing the ladder to the Olubadan throne in 1989 when he was appointed Jagun Olubadan.
He rose through the long titles before he was installed as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on 11 March, 2022 at the age of 79, having been born on 18 October, 1942.
Oba Balogun, in his acceptance letter signed by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, acknowledged the contributions of Lead City University to the development of Ibadanland.
He noted “with appreciation the giant strides your institution has made in its few years of existence and essentially the growth and development being attracted to Ibadanland.
“It is a thing of joy and pride for His Majesty to be considered worthy of the degree of the institution and he is very pleased to associate with such a very progressive and visionary institution.”
The Convocation Ceremony of Lead City University (LCU) will hold on 6 December, 2023 at the University’s Adeline Hall.