Eternalizing One From Nupe Legacy
Conceived in 1830 of a Nupe Prince from Tapa lineage and an Awori lady from Isale Eko descent, Alli-Balogun, a humanitarian renowned as one of the wealthiest individuals of his time, was an extremely pious and affluent man. His prosperity, business acumen, and philanthropic acts impacted everyone who came into contact with him.
With a name that is synonymous with popularity in Lagos, even almost a century after his departure, he remains an icon, revered and honored not only by his progeny and the Muslim community, but also by his Tapa clansmen and anyone whose path crossed his in history.
It is no surprise that his descendants spare no effort in remembering their great forefather. A glimpse into a report from his dynasty would provide a better understanding of how much he meant to humanity.
This report only partially summarizes what Alli-Balogun stands for. A simple online search of the name Alli-Balogun would provide a more comprehensive and detailed knowledge of his historical significance, as captured by his descendants. This report focuses solely on how he continues to be revered by his descendants, with the latest contribution being the establishment of a foundation to immortalize his values.
In his welcome address at the remembrance ceremony, the chairman of Alli-Balogun Descendants Union, Otunba Nurudeen Adeyinka Ojora-Adejiyan, described Alli-Balogun as “our everlasting reflection in the sun,” who passed away two years after registering his final will.
Similarly, another member of his descendants, Dr. Olasupo Alli-Balogun, based in Poland, referred to him as “my most influential mentor, and I patterned my entire life after his lifelong achievements.”
“His peripheral involvement in providing basic social amenities to society, his alliance with the Lagos political upper class, and his confrontation with the then Oba of Lagos, when he believed he was right,” Dr. Olasupo Alli-Balogun continued. “Not to mention the meticulous distribution of his properties and the conditions he set for their disposal in his final will, these are things to be emulated. I am proud and privileged to descend from him.” Indeed, there are many other lessons to learn from him.
The Foundation, A Replication of Alli Balogun’s Values
During a conversation with journalists, the chairperson of the Foundation and Iya Adini of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola, expressed her delight in belonging to such a noble Alli-Oloko family.
“It is truly a noble family because Papa is a legend who cannot be replaced. I feel elated and connected. His name lives on. He was one of the richest individuals in the history of Lagos. His monuments still stand, particularly the mosque he built in 1925. He cannot be forgotten.”
Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola described Alli-Balogun as a great philanthropist who was very accommodating. His down-to-earth and humble nature was such that some people, including his workers, adopted his name.
“In those days, there was a saying that if you entered Papa’s house crying, you would leave laughing. He lived until the age of 103 when medicine was not as advanced as it is today. He should be celebrated, and his legacies should be preserved,” she added.
Regarding the foundation, Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola stated, “We decided to establish a foundation to consolidate his legacies and philanthropic gestures. He went around helping people. So, the foundation aims to continue what he did during his lifetime. He was a devout Muslim who never compromised his faith. We pray that his name lives on.”
The Three Lessons From Alli-Balogun
During the remembrance event, guest lecturer Prof. Siyan Oyeweso spoke about three key lessons to learn from the life of Alli-Balogun. He emphasized the importance of Alli-Balogun’s knowledge of the holy Quran, his love for education, his independence from inheritance, and his wisdom.
“The family of Alli Balogun is good. They have a family that has met history, knows history, and is writing history. They have preserved the good name of Alli Balogun, unity, and care for the mosque he left behind, ‘Wasimi Mosque,’ to ensure its everlasting existence,” Prof. Siyan Oyeweso explained.
“Look at how long Baba has been gone. On July 14, 1933, a newspaper editorial from that time asked, ‘Alli Balogun is Dead, What Shall We Do?'” Prof. Siyan Oyeweso continued. “That question was asked exactly 90 years ago. How many families continue to remember and honor their deceased fathers or grandparents five or ten years later? Without acknowledging the past, there can be no present. And now that we have the present, we must follow the words of the holy Quran, which instructs us to always pray for the souls of the departed. This is the lesson to take from this memorial.”
“Another lesson from the life of Alli Balogun is to never rely on inheritance. When Alli Balogun began his journey, he did not depend on his father’s wealth, despite his father being wealthy. He started as a small trader and gradually built his business to great success, especially during that time, which was much more challenging than today,” Prof. Siyan Oyeweso elaborated.
“We are talking about the year 1830, a period that encompassed the Kosoko Civil War, the Gbomiro Civil War, and various other civil wars. These wars included the conflict at the central mosque between the Apapa Land matters with Herbert Marcauly and Alli Balogun, which were just small skirmishes,” he continued.
“Baba knew how to distribute his wealth. Despite the massive wealth he left behind, his family remained united. This is unlike some contemporary polygamous families or even nuclear families with multiple children,” Prof. Siyan Oyeweso added.
“If you examine Baba’s will, you will see that he had friends who were not Muslims like him, but they lived in harmony. Among these friends was Obanikoro, who was a traditional worshipper before converting to Islam,” he concluded.
The Objectives of the Foundation
The vice chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun, stated that the board formulated the foundation’s objectives by considering the lifestyle of Alhaji Alli-Balogun and remaining true to his principles.
Dr. Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun said, in reference to his great-grandfather’s life, “He supported education, not only by sending all his children to school, but also by sponsoring the education of his neighbors’ children and other members of the community.”
Additionally, in his will, Alhaji Alli-Balogun set aside a sum of money called the ‘Alli Balogun Residuary Trust Fund’ for his children, grandchildren, and future generations who wish to study law, engineering, and medicine overseas.
He further explained, “He also supported the Central Mosque and several mosques in Lagos State. This made us realize that he valued knowledge and was a true Muslim.”
Dr. Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun highlighted that Alli-Balogun built mosques in the community and handed them over to the community members. He also established a structure for anyone aspiring to become an Imam in the mosque.
“After 98 years, a seed of Alli Balogun has finally become the first Imam of the mosque,” Dr. Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun added.
“These three things – education, community service, and interreligious relationships – form the objectives of this foundation,” Dr. Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun concluded. “We will initiate the foundation’s activities with interreligious relationships, beginning with the Alli Balogun Memorial Lecture held annually. Education and community interventions will be determined by the foundation’s board members.”
Further Perspectives on Alli-Balogun
Member of the Board of Trustees of Alli-Balogun Foundation and Pro-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, described Alli-Balogun as an individual to aspire to be in life.
“He was a cleric, a philanthropist, and actively involved in the social and political activities of Lagos State at that time. He passed away 90 years ago, yet he is still well-known because he was genuinely good,” Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti remarked.
He further explained the purpose of the foundation, saying, “The foundation is in his memory and is intended to recognize the importance of education to society, with religious content, and to propagate everything necessary for the good of humanity.”
“He was educated, a renowned philanthropist, and a shrewd businessman who never compromised his principles. One noteworthy example is his instrumental role in the establishment of the Lagos Central Mosque, particularly through his contributions,” Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti added.
He continued, “Therefore, he is someone to be celebrated by his great-grandchildren, future generations, and all Lagosians because he made meaningful contributions. He has many achievements to his name, including contributions to the construction of a section of Glover Hall.”
“I cherish his values and hold them close. For the benefit of society, we must work hard and pursue education. Education is the key. Look at the dividends of educating his children and great-grandchildren,” Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti expressed.
“This is the essence of the foundation. It aims to project his values into the future, which is what we should all strive for, for the greater good of humanity,” he concluded.
Alli-Balogun earned the nickname Alli-Oloko (Alli the Canoe Driver) because of his fleet of trading canoes, some of which he inherited from his eminent father and expanded upon. He was also referred to as Baba L’oke, Kinihun Onibudo, Alli Dodondawa, and Makanjuola. However, it was his chieftaincy title that stuck, making him most popularly known as Alli Balogun.
Neatly engraved on his white marble tombstone, underneath his burial place on Victoria Street (now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street) in Lagos, were the words Alli Balogun 1830-1933 (103 Years), along with the Yoruba expression ‘A Lo Ma Ni Gbagbe’ (Unforgettable).
Highlights
One of the highlights of the event was the cultural display and musical performance by the Nupe Musical Troupe of the Tapa Clan, which is Alli-Balogun’s fatherland. The troupe entertained guests and attendees with their graceful dance moves, acrobatics, and musical prowess. Some of Alli Balogun’s descendants who were present at the occasion even joined the troupe, contributing to the joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
Another highlight was the official launch and inauguration of the board members of the ‘Alli-Balogun Memorial Foundation’. The board is chaired by Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola, one of Alli-Balogun’s great-granddaughters and also the Iya Adini of the Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, built by Alli-Balogun over 98 years ago. Her brother, Dr. Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun, serves as her deputy.
Additional board members include banker and former Lagos State Chief of Staff, Mr. MOA Babalola, Hon. Justice Sumbo Goodluck, Pro-Chancellor of Summit University, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, renowned Chartered Accountant, Alhaji Razak Adekunle Etiko, Alhaja Lola Ogunbambi, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, and Otunba Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan. For Alli-Balogun, his legacies endure.
