Today, we celebrate Honourable Prince Albert Abiodun Adeogun, the popular and widely acceptable Prince of Ile-Ife, as he gracefully reaches the glorious milestone of 80 years. This day marks the completion of eight remarkable decades and his entry into his ninth decade—a journey of an icon defined by service, leadership, intellect, and legacy.
Foundation Of A Prince Born Into Royalty
Prince Albert is the son of Prince Isaac Oyewole Adeogun of Olodo Compound, Ogboru Royal House, and Princess Ofobutu Ijaoja of Ooni Ilare Compound—noble pillars of Ife heritage. Yet, beyond the crown of birth, he earned the greater crown of character and accomplishment.
A Journey Of Excellence
His early years shaped a man destined for greatness: his early started from Saint John’s Primary School (1952–1958) to Ife-Oluwa Co-Educational Grammar School, Osogbo, where he graduated in 1968.
In 1969, he began his career as a Clerical Officer at the Federal Ministry of Information, Lagos, rising through disciplined private studies to become an Executive Officer of Accounts (EO) by 1976.
A Lifelong Scholar
A believer in the power of knowledge, he attended the University of Ibadan, earning both a Bachelor Degree and an M.Sc in Political Science (1984). He further obtained an LL.B from UI (1988) and his BL from the Nigerian Law School (1989), becoming a Barrister at Law—a testimony to his disciplined mind and passion for justice.
National Impact: The Nigeria Customs Service
In 1981, Albert Adeogun joined the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as a Superintendent, rising steadily to become a Comptroller of Customs in 2003. He retired as one of the Service’s most respected officers, marked by integrity and excellence.
His contributions earned him numerous honours, including an Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from Saint Thomas à Becket University, Canterbury, England (2005).
Legislative Landmark: The House Of Representatives
After disengaging from Customs, Adeogun, in 2005, transitioned into partisan politics with brilliance and patriotism. He was a distinguished member of the 6th and 8th House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2015 to represent the Ife Federal Constituency, comprising Ife Central, Ife North, Ife South, and Ife East. His years in the House were defined by commendable representation and a deep commitment to democratic ideals.
Political Courage And Leadership
In 2018, Adeogun further answered the call of service as the deputy governorship candidate to Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke in the Osun State gubernatorial election. His support for the Adeleke mandate and his “people-first” politics earned him wide respect across party lines as a democrat to the core.
Cultural Resonance And Spiritual Pillar
Prince Albert Adeogun is a distinguished member of the International Association of Political Scientists and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He is the Patron of the Ile-Ife Bar Association and the Customs Officers’ Wives Association. Beyond being a Prince of the Source, he is the OKANLOMO OF IPETUMODU, a title reflecting his deep cultural leadership.
A devout Christian, he serves as the Baba Ijo of St. John’s Anglican Church, Ilare, Ile-Ife, and is the Patron of Cherubim & Seraphim, Agbala Alafia, Ring Road, Ibadan. He is happily married and blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
At 80, Adeogun remains a symbol of:
• Public Service without stain
• Leadership without arrogance
• Royalty without entitlement
• Scholarship without intimidation
• Faith without compromise
Your life, Sir, is the true definition of service, honour, knowledge, power, legacy, and duty.
Happy 80th Birthday to our Prince and the Okanlomo of Ipetumodu! May your years ahead shine even brighter. Ile-Ife is proud. Nigeria is grateful. History will be kind.
Signed:
Adeshina and Olufunke Adewoye, with deep respect and admiration.
