During the Third Republic, General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime conducted elections of civilian governors for the 36 states and followed by the presidential election, which was later annulled. That election was presumably won by Bashorun Moshood Abiola of Social Democratic Party over Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention.
In the ensuing struggle for civilian rule, which transversed Generals Babangida, Sani Abacha and Abdusalami Abubakar regimes, several notable advocates and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) emerged. Notable among them is the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), founded by Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (simply known as Beko).
A medical practitioner, Adewale Balogun served as Executive Director of the CCG from 2006, following the passing of his close friend, ally and mentor, Beko. Balogun was more than a leader in civil society struggles. He was a steadfast companion and ally to Beko during the tumultuous years of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle against the military governments. Together with other anti-military rule campaigners, including Gani Fawehinmi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, they stood resilient.
Having successed Beko, Balogun embraced the mantle of leadership at CCG with unparalleled dedication, and remained a voice for the voiceless, continuously challenging injustice and promoting constitutional and good governance until his transition on 3 November 2024.
Chair of CCG’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Victor Hammond wrote: ‘Dr Balogun worked faithfully for and with Beko, in life and death, safeguarding his friend’s legacy with unwavering resolve’.
Born on 5 September 1955 to Chief Owolabi Alli and Anjorin Balogun at Lagos Island, Adewale spent his childhood years in Ikoyi, Lagos and completed his elementary education at St George’s Catholic School, Falomo, Ikoyi.
He commenced his secondary school education in 1965, which was concluded with distinction at Yaba Technical Institute (rechristened Yaba College of Technology) and displayed a sense of tranquility and ingenuity that left his peers and educators in awe.
His excellent performance earned him a scholarship in 1970 to continue his academic prowess and he obtained his A levels certificate from the Federal School of Art and Science, Victoria Island, and then attended the University of Lagos from 1972, where he meritoriously graduated and bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery.
Balogun worked as a medical practitioner for many years at the Junction Clinic, Mushin where affordable patient-centred healthcare services were rendered. But he was best identified for his work in social activism, with his mentor and ally, Beko at the CCG, the home turf for comrades in the never-ending struggle to make Nigeria great for the common people.
Balogun was one of the many patriots who were prepared to sacrifice it all in the battle against military despotism. He made evident and various clandestine contributions to the Nigerian Medical Association, and the various civil rights societies he was affiliated with. His uncanny savvy and prodigious acumen was instrumental in carrying out his duties and responsibilities promptly.
He eventually shifted his attention wholly to the struggle for a better Nigeria, and abandoned medical practice.
His tenure at the CCG touched the lives of many in personal and professional capacities, and provided a platform for a myriad of democratic ideologies to blossom in the hope for a renewed Nigeria.
It was on the business front I met and related with him for over a decade. That was when he was Country Manager of Afrocet Montgomery Exhibition and Events Limited (AMEE), a position he also kept in Business and Trade Events Nigeria Limited. Before AMEE, he was one of the founding directors of Afrocet Nigeria Limited, organisers of leading security fair, SECUREX West Africa and Printing and Packaging Exhibition, Propak WA.
He was straight forward, transparent and ethical. No doubt, our nation will become a better place if all Nigerians were like him.
Dr Adewale Peter Jude Balogun made his transition to eternity at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, leaving behind, to cherish his wonderful memories, his wife, children, siblings, his ever growing family as well his comrade friends and colleagues.
As his remains is interred on Thursday, 31 January 2025, his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the CSOs to continue the shared pursuit of a better Nigeria.
During the day of tributes, organised by the CSOs at UNILAG last Thursday, Comrades Slyvester Akhaine and Lanre Arogundade
wrote that Balogun’s transition is a profound loss, not only to his family, but all men of goodwill who believe in the ideals of justice, freedom and democracy.
Aluta continua!
Otun, author, is the Executive Director of Minds and Brains Media Independent Limited, and teaches Media History and Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos
