The ancient city of Oyo will, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, host the installation of corporate leader and philanthropist Oloye (Dr) Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan as the new Balogun of Oyo by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.
The ceremony, earlier slated for July, was postponed following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The victims have since been reunited with their families, though two lives were lost.
Adeduntan will succeed the late Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former Governor of the old Oyo State and renowned statesman, who held the title with distinction. The Balogun is one of the most senior offices in the Oyo Empire, traditionally linked to leadership, courage, and public service.
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Born in Ibadan, Dr Adeduntan graduated with a DVM from the University of Ibadan in 1992 and later earned an MBA from Cranfield University as a Chevening Scholar. He built his career at Arthur Andersen, KPMG, Citibank, the Africa Finance Corporation and FirstBank.
At AFC, he served as a pioneer Director and CFO and led the strategy that secured Moody’s A3 investment-grade rating in 2014. At FirstBank, where he was GMD/CEO from January 2016 to April 2024, he drove digital transformation, stronger governance and expansion across Africa and the UK.
Following his retirement in April 2024, Dr. Adeduntan embarked on a new chapter focused on building enduring institutions for Nigeria’s long-term development. He is the Founder and Chairman of Sequoia Holdings Limited, a group with interests in financial services, strategic minerals, professional services, energy and long-term investment platforms.
Sequoia Financial Services Limited, launched in early 2025, provides advisory and investment services to corporate, institutional and private clients. Its sister company, Sequoia Minerals & Metals Limited, is pursuing a district-scale exploration portfolio across multiple states, with a focus on critical minerals required for the global energy transition.
Through Sequoia Professional Services Limited, he advises boards, governments and investors on governance, strategy and institutional transformation.
In 2025, Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him Pro-Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan.
A Fellow of ICAN and CIBN, Dr Adeduntan holds honorary DSc degrees from Cranfield and UI. The Balogun title will complement his existing title of Apesinola of Ibadanland, strengthening his ties to both historic cities.