Abayomi Susan
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has announced Saturday, September 5, 2026, as the date for the installation of renowned banker, investor, philanthropist and institution builder, Oloye (Dr.) Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, as the Balogun of Oyo.
The investiture, which was initially scheduled for July, was deferred following the unfortunate abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Although the victims were later rescued and reunited with their families, the incident claimed two lives. With calm gradually returning to the affected communities, preparations have resumed for the historic ceremony, expected to rank among the state’s most prominent traditional events this year.
The colourful installation will take place at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, with invited guests expected to attend in wine and gold attire.
One of the most prestigious chieftaincy titles in the ancient Oyo Empire, the office of Balogun has long symbolised bravery, exemplary leadership, honour and unwavering commitment to public service. Dr. Adeduntan succeeds the late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the distinguished mathematician, former Governor of old Oyo State and respected statesman who occupied the revered position until his passing.
Widely respected for his accomplishments in banking and corporate leadership, Dr. Adeduntan has built an outstanding career spanning development finance, governance, education, healthcare, mining, professional services and philanthropy.
A native of Ibadan, he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan in 1992 before charting a remarkable career in finance. As a British Chevening Scholar, he later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom and went on to hold senior leadership positions at Arthur Andersen, KPMG, Citibank, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and FirstBank.
During his tenure at the Africa Finance Corporation, where he served as pioneer Director, Chief Financial Officer and Business Manager, he played a leading role in establishing the institution as one of Africa’s foremost development finance organisations. His efforts in designing and implementing AFC’s international credit rating strategy culminated in the award of an investment-grade A3 rating by Moody’s in 2014, strengthening the Corporation’s access to international capital markets.
Dr. Adeduntan later joined FirstBank as Group Chief Financial Officer before assuming office as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in 2016. Under his leadership, the bank expanded its digital capabilities, strengthened governance and risk management frameworks, widened financial inclusion initiatives and consolidated its regional operations, further enhancing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
Following his retirement from FirstBank in 2024, he turned his attention to building institutions capable of driving Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
As Founder and Chairman of Sequoia Holdings Limited, he now oversees a diversified business group with interests in strategic minerals, energy, professional advisory services and long-term investments. Through the organisation, he continues to champion sustainable enterprise development and institution building across key sectors of the economy.
Its subsidiary, Sequoia Minerals & Metals Limited, is positioning itself as a major player in Nigeria’s strategic minerals industry through responsible exploration, value addition and environmentally sustainable resource development, with a focus on minerals critical to the global energy transition.
Dr. Adeduntan also established Sequoia Professional Services Limited, where he provides strategic advisory services to governments, corporate organisations, investors and boards on governance, leadership, institutional reform and long-term business strategy.
His passion for national development extends beyond the corporate sector. Through the Adesola Adeduntan Foundation, he has continued to support initiatives that improve access to quality healthcare and education. Among its flagship projects is the construction of modern Grade A Primary Healthcare Centres within the palace complexes of both the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Alaafin of Oyo, aimed at strengthening community healthcare delivery.
The Foundation also invests in scholarship programmes, leadership development initiatives and strategic educational partnerships designed to expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
In recognition of his leadership credentials, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde appointed Dr. Adeduntan as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, in 2025, where he is providing strategic direction to enhance institutional governance and position the university among Nigeria’s foremost technology-driven institutions.
His remarkable contributions to business, education and national development have earned him numerous honours, including honorary Doctor of Science degrees from both Cranfield University in the United Kingdom and the University of Ibadan.
A Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), he has also completed executive education programmes at Harvard Business School, Oxford, Cambridge, Wharton, London Business School, CEIBS and INSEAD.
The Balogun title will add to his existing honour as the Apesinola of Ibadanland, further strengthening his relationship with two of Yorubaland’s most prominent traditional institutions.
Beyond recognising professional excellence, the forthcoming installation celebrates a lifetime devoted to ethical leadership, institution building and national service. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter as Dr. Adeduntan assumes one of the most revered traditional offices in the Oyo Kingdom, blending contemporary leadership with the enduring values of the ancient Oyo Empire.
