Kabiyesi Oba Al-Maroof Adekunle Magbagbeola

HRM Oba Al-Maroof Adekunle Magbagbeola

Award Recipient

Kabiyesi Oba Al-Maroof Adekunle Magbagbeola was born on January 15, 1960, the year that Nigeria attained its independence status as a nation from the British colonial masters. He was born into the Royal distinguished and Muslim family of Late Magbagbeola Mohammed Ishola Adeoye and Princess Magbagbeola Shifawu Folashade Adunni (both of blessed memory). By the time Oba Al-Maroof was born his parents were resident in Ghana. It was therefore not a surprise that his first step towards achieving fame and greatness began in Ghana in 1966 when he enrolled at the Primary School in Bawjiase Accra Ghana.

The family later departed Bawjiase for Ifon-Osun in Nigeria where young Prince Magbagbeola continued his Elementary education at the Methodist Primary School, Isale-Aro, Osogbo in 1968, he finally completed his elementary education at Ansar-U-Deen Primary School, Ifon-Osun in 1974.

During his elementary School days, Oba Magbagbeola like his peers assisted his parents in their trade. Similarly, he attended quranic lessons to sharpen his knowledge of Islam.

After, his Elementary education, he proceeded to Ifon-Erin Community High School, the first and the only High School within the community in 1974. At the School, he was loved and respected by all, infact, the traits of leadership were already in him.

After 5-years of sojourn and having been responsible in his WAEC examination, he left for Osogbo Grammar School for his Higher School Certificate Course. He finally obtained the Higher School\Advance Level Certificate at the Ondo State College of Arts and Science, Ikare, Ondo State. The quest for knowledge saw Oba Magbagbeola at the University of Lagos, Akoka and graduated with a B.Sc. Degree in Business Administration in 1986. He was exempted from the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) because of his age over and above the stipulated official service age.

Despite the hostile labour market in the mid-80’s, Kabiyesi secured employment at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) in 1987 where he was posted to Ekpan, Warri.

One would think that with the acquisition of a first Degree, he would relax, Kabiyesi did not. He continued with knowledge acquisition and study. He finally obtained a Masters Degree in Energy and Petroleum Economics at the Delta State University, Abraka in 1999, then his tenure at the NNPC had become secure and solid.

Kabiyesi has to his credit, membership of many professional bodies and associations. He is a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM).

Oba Magbagbeola Adekunle’s working career at the NNPC spanned over a period of 21-years. He retired voluntarily in February, 2008 following his choice as Olufon. During the period of bestrode the Corporation like a colossus. He displayed leadership qualities that endeared him to many. He was loved and respected by his colleagues and subordinates alike, he was diligent and carries out instructions to the letter. Infact, because of his penchant for hard-work he was cynosure of all eyes.

On the local scene, Oba Magbagbeola holds his community in very high esteem. He could go to any length to meet the aspirations. He saw clubs and societies as instruments of positive change and therefore encourages the young and old to form and belong to clubs and societies. The private businesses of the Oba are managed by indigenes. He has positively touched the lives of everyone who was privileged to come his way. He left hope where he met gloom and happiness where he met sorrow.

No wonder when the throne of the Olufon became vacant following the demise Oba Ilufemiloye Olatoye Orisatoyinbo II, there was no delay in recognizing him and his qualities. God does not forsake his own people, despite the fact that the Olumoyero ruling house, the ruling house to which he belonged, had been left out and neglected from the Royal stool, he was recognized and considered suitable for the exalted position.

Kabiyesi was married to Olori (Alhaja) Magbagbeola Fatimat Asani and blessed with six children.