Profile of Oba (Hon.) Lateef Folorunsho Haruna (Alaofin II)
Family Background
Oba (Hon.) Lateef Folorunsho Haruna (Alaofin II) was born on September 1, 1965, into the family of Alhaji Haruna Oniayekan Abubakar and the late Mrs. Memunat Mebatonije Abu Ebisemi Molodu of Agoh Quarters and Esseh Quarters in Ayegunle Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is married to Mrs. Taiwo Lateef, daughter of Pa Ezekiel Olorunmaye of Agringbon Quarters, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area. Oba (Hon.) Lateef is the grandson of the late Abubakar Ikujemiya Alaofin of Agoh Quarters, Ayegunle Gbede.
Educational Background
Oba (Hon.) Lateef Folorunsho Haruna began his education at Ansaru-Islam Primary School, Ayegunle Gbede, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1978. He then attended Baptist Secondary Commercial School, Iyah Gbede, earning his Senior Secondary School Certificate (WAEC) in 1983. He furthered his education at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, obtaining a Diploma in Public Administration (Upper Credit Division) in 2007.
Work Experience
Oba (Hon.) Lateef Folorunsho Haruna started his career as a Revenue Officer with Ilorin Local Government Area Council, Kwara State, from 1984 to 1987. He then worked as a Graphics Artist & Draftsman at Ola Anobi Graphics Art, Ilorin, from 1987 to 1990. In 1991, he was elected Councilor for Ayegunle/Iluhafon Ward under the National Republican Convention (NRC) and served until 1993. Between 1993 and 2009, he engaged in farming and agricultural businesses. He later served as Senior Special Assistant on Legislative Matters and on Youth and Women Empowerment in the Ijumu Local Government Area Council. From 2013 to 2015, he was the Supervisory Councilor for Budget and Planning under Hon. (Dr.) Remi Odutola’s administration.
Political Activism
Oba (Hon.) Lateef Folorunsho Haruna is a seasoned politician, strategist, and grassroots mobilizer. He has played key roles in the political successes of several prominent figures in Kogi State, including former Governors Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, Senators Smart Adeyemi and Daniel Dino Melaye, and various other local politicians.
Business Life
Post his legislative service, Oba (Hon.) Lateef ventured into farming and agricultural businesses. He is the Founder and CEO of HarLat Guest House in Ayegunle Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area.
Community Development Service
Oba (Hon.) Lateef is a dedicated community developer. He has significantly contributed to the development of Ayegunle Gbede, Gbede Land, Ijumu Kingdom, Okun Nation, and Kogi State. He is an active member of the Ayegunle Gbede Descendants Union and Ohon Peoples’ Foundation and currently serves as the Gbede District Coordinator for the Ijumu Unity Group. He was also the President of the Agoh Youth Association.
Meritorious Awards
In recognition of his contributions, Oba (Hon.) Lateef has received several awards. In 2013, he was honored as a “Symbol of Hope” by the Ijumu Students’ Union, and in 2017, he received an award of excellence from the Ayegunle Gbede Descendants Union, Lokoja Branch.
Special Skills & Hobbies
Oba (Hon.) Lateef possesses excellent communication, leadership, public speaking, and time management skills. He is proficient in Microsoft Word and enjoys conducting research, reading, community work, politics, and traveling.
Assumption of the Olu of Ayegunle Gbede Throne
On May 21, 2024, Oba (Hon.) Lateef Folorunsho Haruna (Alaofin II) was installed as the ninth Olu of Ayegunle Gbede. This significant event was facilitated by the Ayegunle Gbede Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs, supported by the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Ayeni, and the Caretaker Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna (DStv), marking a new chapter in the community’s history.
compiled by:
Yusuf Adeyanju Yisau,
National Public Relations Officer,
Ayegunle Gbede Descendants Union.
22nd May, 2024.
