Alhaji Bilaal Ogunbado Akeugberu: Meet the New Chief Imam of Oyo
By Adejayan Gbenga –
Born on April 15, 1965, Barrister Alhaji Bilaal Oseni Akinola Ogunbado Akeugberu hails from the illustrious Imam Ogunbado Compound, Akeugberu, Oyo, in Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A descendant of a respected Islamic lineage, he is the son of the late Alhaji Shaykh Imam Bilaal Akano Ogunbado, a revered cleric and community leader.
Education and early life
Alhaji Bilaal’s quest for knowledge began at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Ashogo, Oyo.
He proceeded to obtain his General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1984 and 1986 before enrolling at the Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Elekuro, Ibadan, in 1987 to deepen his understanding of Islamic and Arabic studies.
His pursuit of higher education led him to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Hons) degree in 1992. He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assignment in Wurno Local Government Area in 1993.
Legal and professional experience
Between 1995 and 2000, he underwent professional tutelage under the late Barrister Niyi Badmus & Co. at Inaolaji Shopping Complex, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, gaining practical experience in advocacy and legal administration.
Alhaji Bilaal later joined the Federal Public Service, serving with the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), which later became the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). From 2001 to 2013, he worked as a Prepayment Officer while also handling legal correspondences for the agency.
He subsequently became the Officer in Charge of the Prepayment Department at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) from 2013 until his voluntary disengagement in August 2015.
Religious commitment and Da’wah activities
Since leaving public service, Alhaji Bilaal has devoted his life to consistent Da’wah activities, promoting Islamic teachings, unity, and moral consciousness among Muslims. His deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and etiquette continues to inspire many within and beyond Oyo.
He has led Juma’at prayers on several occasions at the Senator Ishaq Ajimobi Central Mosque, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on special invitation from the Oyo State Muslim Council.
Conferences and notable engagements
He has been an active voice in intellectual and civic dialogues. Notably, he presented a paper on “Women Inclusivity and Representation in Policy and Decision-Making Across the Three Tiers of Government” at a seminar organized by the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event, anchored by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitutional Review, was attended by lawmakers, policymakers, and prominent traditional rulers across the South-West, including His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade Elewuetu I, the Alaafin of Oyo.
