The Mogaji of Ibikunle Abaa Royal Dynasty, Labiran, Ibadan, Chief Mojeed Olabode Olaleye Olaniran, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Senator) Dr. Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, the entire Ibadanland, and indeed the people of Oyo State, on the well-deserved elevation of their illustrious son, Abraham Adebayo Babalola, to the prestigious rank of Major General in the Nigerian Army.
Major General Babalola, a proud indigene of Kobiowu Compound, Oranyan, Ibadan, was announced as one of the 28 newly promoted Major Generals, a development Chief Mojeed described as a monumental pride and blessing to Oyo State.
Chief Mojeed emphasized that Major General Babalola’s rise is a testament to hard work, patriotism, unrivaled military professionalism, and years of meritorious service to Nigeria.
He noted that Ibadanland and Oyo State have once again been placed on the national map through one of their finest sons.
Major General Babalola has held numerous command, staff, and instructional appointments throughout a career that has spanned decades across Nigeria and beyond.
He served as Commanding Officer in Maiduguri between 2012 and 2015, where he distinguished himself as one of the frontline commanders who pushed Boko Haram terrorists to a standstill during heightened insurgency in the North East.
He returned to the region again in 2021 for further operational assignments.
His instructional pedigree includes serving as an Instructor at both the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the Nigerian Army Armour School, as well as a Directing Staff and later Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna.
Major General Babalola also represented Nigeria internationally as Military Attaché to Benin Republic, Togo, and Burkina Faso. In addition, he has served at the Army Headquarters as Deputy Director in the Departments of Operations, Policy, and Plans.
A distinguished combatant officer of the elite Armoured Corps, he has attended countless military courses, seminars, and workshops both locally and internationally.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Defence Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Security, Peace and Conflict Management.
General Babalola’s military career has taken him across Nigeria, Africa, and the world, with professional courses and assignments carried out in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Gambia, Morocco, Sudan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, USA, UK, Turkey, and Russia.
He also previously served as the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin.
General Babalola is a highly decorated senior officer with numerous honours, including:
- Distinguished Service Star
- Field Command Medal
- River Niger Medal for Bravery in Battle
- Nigerian Army Purple Heart (for soldiers wounded in battle)
- Passed Staff Course Dagger
- Chief of Army Staff Medal for Outstanding All-Round Performance
- Multiple United Nations Peacekeeping Medals
He is also a Distinguished Member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
A passionate Ibadan man, General Babalola is married to Mrs. Gloria Ebunoluwa Babalola, and their union is blessed with three children, two girls and a boy.
His hobbies include walking with his dogs and observing people.
Chief Mojeed, on behalf of the Ibikunle Abaa Royal Dynasty and the entire Labiran family, once again expressed profound joy and extended prayers for greater accomplishments for the newly promoted Major General.
He affirmed that Major General Abraham Adebayo Babalola’s promotion is not only a personal triumph but a collective celebration for Ibadanland and Oyo State.
