UI commiserates with the family of late Otunba Subomi Balogun

Oru Leonard

On behalf of the Council, Senate, Congregation, staff, and students of the University of Ibadan, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale has led a delegation from the University to commiserate with the family of the late, Otunba Subomi Balogun at the family estate, in Ijebu- Ode.

Professor Adebowale said Otunba Subomi Balogun touched many lives in the University of Ibadan. This explains why his name has been immortalised on the University campus and why he was given the Honorary degree of the LL.D of the University in 1989.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed the hope that the University of Ibadan and the Balogun family would continue the relationship even after Baba’s death.

He informed the family that the University of Ibadan will be 75 years old in November and invited the family to be part of the celebrations with an endowment in the name of the Balogun family

A son of the deceased, Mr Jide Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the family, said his father’s relationship with the University of Ibadan goes back for as long as he could remember.

He said the immediate family is privileged to have had a father like the late Otunba Subomi Balogun, who was very generous. He said many people have come forward since Baba’s demise to talk about his generosity to them.

Mr Jide Balogun promised that the family would grow those endeavours and philanthropic gestures.

He also assured that the family will meet with the University of Ibadan to look at the common areas to grow Baba’s philanthropy.

The Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and the fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss.

She prayed that the University of Ibadan should forever remember Otunba Subomi Balogun’s philanthropy.

Professor Omigbodun also prayed for the success of all the burial programmes.

The University of Ibadan delegation was received by the widow, Olori Abimbola Balogun; three sons of the deceased, Messrs Jide, Ladi and Gboyega Balogun.

Among the University of Ibadan delegation were: Vice-Chancellor, Prof.K.O Adebowale, mni, FAS, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin.) Prof E.O Ayoola, Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Oke Saliu, Bursar, Mr. Adewuyi Popoola, represented by Mr. S. O. Olojede, Provost, College of Medicine, Prof Olayinka O. Omigbodun, Deputy Provost, College of Medicine Prof. Fatai Adeniyi.

Others are, Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Morenike Afolabi, Deputy Registrar, Council Secretariat, Mrs Francisca Ayodele, Deputy Registrar/Secretary to the College of Medicine, Mr. E. O. Odedele, Principal Assistant Registrar, Directorate of Public Communication, Mrs. Adejoke Akinpelu, Acting Mabaging Director, UI Ventures, Mr. Francis Akingbade, Manager, Consultancy and Computer Services, UI Ventures, Mrs. Hellen Abu, UI Principal Protocol Officer, Otunba Gboyega Badejo, FICA.

The late Otunba Subomi Balogun impacted the University in several ways but limited to: He made life easier for the many physically challenged residents of the Queen Elizabeth II Hall with the donation of a new 18-Seater Bus.

He made life easier for the many physically challenged residents of the Queen Elizabeth II Hall with the donation of a new 18-Seater Bus.

He spent his time, talent, and treasure to give the UI Ventures Ltd its solid foundation as the first Chairman of that company.

He donated the Otunba Tunwase National Paedriatric Hospital to the University of Ibadan lock, stock, and barrel.

He donated Eighty Million Naira ‘Friends of Subomi Balogun Fund’ raised on his 80th birthday to the University.