Biography of Chief Ohu Babatunde Akin Olugbade.
A Great statesman’ written by Prince Ade Ladigbolu.

Akin- Olugbade was born on January 15, 1913. At the age of nine, he lost his father. The task to bring him up fell solely on his mother, Ajibola Asunle, who gave him good care and education.

He attended Owu Baptist Day School, Abeokuta for his elementary education.

He later gained admission to Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta in 1926. He completed his secondary education in 1931in flying colors.

He was good in sports and debating activities at BBHS. His leadership qualities unfolded in the school and in his final year in BBHS, he was made a prefect.

Akin- Olugbade proceeded to Baptist College (a teacher training institution) Ogbomoso. He completed his teacher training in 1937, the very year his mother died.

After teaching briefly at a secondary in Ejigbo in the present Osun State, he secured employment as a clerk at the Treasury Department in Lagos, through the assistance of his uncle, Pa Meredith of Oke-Popo, Lagos.

Later, he was transferred to the Treasury Department, Zaria, where he worked under a prominent Nigerian, Dr. R.A.B. Dikko.

On January 1946, he married his wife, Gladys Ibijoke Abati George.

His thirst for higher education made him to sail to the United Kingdom in 1950 to study Law at the age of 38. He completed his course and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1955. In that year, he returned to Nigeria.

He started his professional practice with the late Magistrate Lapite at Tinubu Street, Lagos, before setting up his own chambers at Balogun Street, Lagos.

Predictably, Akin- Olugbade, like many young patriots of his time, joined the Nigeria Youth Movement in 1946. Thus, he became a nationalist fighter protesting the evils of colonialism.

In London, he joined the Labour Party and became close to the famous legal luminary, Sir Alexander Dinglefoot.

On returning to Nigeria, he joined the AG and was appointed as the Chairman, Western Nigeria Finance Corporation in November 1957.

Under Akin- Olugbade’s leadership, the company, and its subsidiary, the Loans Board, waxed stronger. The finance corporation swam in the pool of profit, prompting the regional government to re-appoint him for 1958/59.

In 1959, the AG chieftain, who was nicknamed “Atotileto”, because of his business acumen and prowess, contested the House of Representatives seat in Egba South Federal Constituency. He won the poll.

In the federal parliament, the Owu politician became the AG Chief Whip, and a shadow minister of foreign affairs. He later became Leader of Opposition
and parliamentary leader of his party
after Awolowo was jailed for treasonable felony.
His colleagues in the House included the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Okunnowo, Chief Sikiru Shita-Bey, Canon Akinyemi, Chief Akerele and Ayo Fasanmi.

In 1964, despite the massive malpractices that marred the federal elections, Akin- Olugbade retained his federal seat.
The federal legislator was not a bench warmer.

“He contributed in no small way to the development, peace, stability and progress of the country.

He brought up reasonable points on the welfare of the masses. discipline of members in the house And also Peace and stability in Western region

“It was because of his brilliancy in international relations that made the Government of Nigeria to include him in the Nigeria’s delegation to the United nations in 1962. The delegation was led by Chief Dennis Osadebey”.

When Awo was behind bars, Akin-
Olugbade did not betray him. He participated actively in peace moves mooted by eminent Yoruba leaders and Nigerians but he did not compromise the position of the AG. He was loyal to his leader throughout the First Republic.
Akin- Olugbade left his footprints as an industrialist and employer of labour. He left behind a chain of companies, including ARC Limited, a construction company, O.B.A Transport Ltd, O.B. A Property Ltd, O.B.A Travels Ltd,
O.B.A Jewellers/Ag Tabet Ltd, and
Niger oil Resources Ltd.

He built a hospital and social centre for the people of Abeokuta.

He was adored by Owu people.

He started the National Movement of Owu people now known as Royal Union of Owu People – RUOP.

He spearheaded efforts to build a befitting palace for Olowu. His financial contribution was massive.

He gave scholarships to indigent students and gave employment to many Egba youths.

Reward for community service poured for him in torrents.

In 1958, he was honoured with the title of Aare Ona Kankanfo of Owu.
In 1976, he was conferred with the traditional title of Balogun of Owu. A year after, he was installed as the Ekerin of Egbaland. He was also the Jagunmolu of Itoku and Lisa of Iwo.

In 1987, he passed on as an elder statesman, leaving behind a vast business empire, a thriving law chamber, devoted political fans and a bereaved Egba community. His demise marked the end of an era in Owu, where he played a leading role in comunity development.