Have you ever met Egba High Chief, Niyi Adegbenro before? If you have, will you ever believe he is 75? Well, let’s quickly confirm to you that he will be 75 in five weeks time. But he does not look it. You would take him for 60, 65, or 70 but not that far gone in age. He also does not behave like a grand old man who he is. He is a father and grandfather but he is young at heart. The truth is that Chief Niyi Adegbenro will be 75 on April 3, 2017, a birthday he shares with his age-long friend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey. The both have many things in common. They were born on the same day, same month, same year.
For those who don’t know Chief Niyi Adegbenro well, let’s qucky tell you that he is from a rich pedigree. He is the son of late First Republic politician, Chief Dauda Adegbenro. His father was a reputable politician and close associate of late Awo in the old Western region. His father died at the age of 75 and that is why that age is significant for him. Three weeks ago, when he fell ill and was rushed to the hospital, Chief Niyi Adegbenro was worried, wondering to himself if he won’t reach age 75. But he was treated and he has since bounced back.
Since his father died he has stepped into politics, contesting elections and holding political office in Ogun State. He has many thing in common with his father. Like his father, he once held political office for 1 day. His father was also in political office for one week.
Former Ogun governor, Osoba made him Finance Commissioner for 1 day and late Sir Adesoji Adarami appointed his dad Commissioner for 1 week. Chief Niyi Adegbenro is a lively man to hang out with.
EARLY LIFE
Niyi Adegbenro was born in Abeokuta on Friday, the 3rd of April, 1942 to the Family:
FATHER
Late Dauda Soroye Ishola Adegbenro who hailed from both Alaru and Amororo Compounds within Owu Quarter of Abeokuta. His father retired from Railway Corporation after serving the Corporation Meritoriously for many years and later became a Political Giant. He died in 1975.
MOTHER
Late Madam Sussana Aderinsola Adegbenro was born in Owu, Abeokuta to the family of Pa Sol eye at Soleye’s Compound in Ita Iyalode of Owu, Abeokuta. His mother has two children namely, Late Oluremi Adegbenro and Niyi Adegbenro. She died in 1985.
EARLY SCHOOL LIFE BOTH AT THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
Niyi started his elementary school in Owu Baptise Day School in Ita Soke, Totoro, Abeokuta. Later He was admitted to St. Finbars College before moving to Ibadan Grammar School, where He finished His Secondary Education. The celebrant of today distinguished himself in sports, especially Football. He was nicknamed “An eye Tonto” on the field of football because he was one of the most talented footballers in Ibadan Grammar School. He was one of the best strikers that made it possible for L.G.S. to reach the thermogen cup final in 1961 at Liberty Stadium, the first of its kind. The crises of 1962 in western region disturbed Niyi Adegbenro’s Educational carrier who had to leave with his father in detention at Oshogbo and also at Oke-Boga Awolowo’s House before moving to Lagos in 1963 to find a job at Marina Agencies and Northern Assurance Company which later became United Insurance Company Ltd.
EMPLOYMENT/WORKINGEXPERIENCE
Niyi Adegbenro started working in 1963 at Marina Agencies at 49, Marina Lagos which became Northern Assurance and also became United Nigeria Insurance Co. Ltd. From there He later moved to Mercury Assurance Co. Ltd. As West Regional Manager and rose to the position of Public Relations Manager. When his father died in 1975, he resigned to form his Company-ADEX(NIG.) LTD.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
He joined politics in 1976 and won the first local govt. election into Abeokuta Local Govt. during Obasanjo Transition Programme. In 1979, he join the National Party of Nigeria and was appointed as a Director of Allied Bank Plc by the former President-Alhaji Shehu Shagari .Niyi Adegbenro. a renowned politician. was elected in 1991 as the first Publicity and Organising Secretary of Ogun State Social Democratic Party (SDP).
When Chief ‘Segun Osoba became Governor, Niyi Adegbenro was appointed as the Chairman of Ogun State Bulk Purchasing Corporation in 1992 until November 1993 when Governor Osoba appointed him to serve in the State Executive Council as Commissioner for Finance the day Gen. Sanni Abacha became head of state after the Sonekan Coup. When the (PDP) won election in 2003 and Otunba Gbenga Daniel became Governor of Ogun State, he appointed him to the Board of Directors of Lagos Airport Hotel, a subsidiary of Odua. When he was Re- elected in 2007, he appointed Niyi Adegbenro as his political Adviser for Ogun Central Senatorial District.
Social Life
On the social front, the Celebrant of Today is a Financial and Formidable Member of the following Social Clubs: (1).Doma Club of Lagos (2.) Association of Friends, Lagos (3.)Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos (4.) Osupa Egba Club, Abeokuta (5.)Immediate past President, Abeokuta Sport Club. (6.) Abeokuta Club.
Marital Life
Married with Children and Grand Children.
Hobbies
Travelling, watching football matches, and taking part in keep fit exercises.
Traditional Titles
The Celebrant of today has many Traditional Titles, just to mention a few: (1). Seriki of Owu Kingdom (2).Ogboye Adinni of United Muslim Council (3).Baaloro of Egbaland. Finally, it is on record that the Celebrant of today wrote a book for his late father titled “Loyalty to Leadership
