Chief Teju Oguntoye
Barrister LatejuBabatundeOguntoye, popularly known as Chief TejuOguntoye, is a distinguished legal practitioner, community leader, public servant, politician and an illustrious son of Arandun in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Born on 16 September 1959, Chief TejuOguntoye is married to Mrs. OlufunkeOguntoye (née Afolayan). Over the decades, he has distinguished himself through professional excellence, public service, political participation, community development and leadership.
- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Chief TejuOguntoye began his formal education at United L.G.E.A. School, Arandun/Omido, where he studied from 1968 to 1973. He proceeded to Play Fair Memorial College, Oro-Ago, from 1973 to 1978, and thereafter attended the Kwara State College of Technology, School of Basic Studies, Ilorin, from 1979 to 1981.
He continued his higher education at the University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, where he obtained his LL.B. (Hons.) degree in 1984. He subsequently attended the Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, and obtained his B.L. qualification in 1985.and he was called to the Bar as a full-fledged legal practitioner
In 2000, he obtained a Master degree in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from the University of Ilorin. He was also enrolled as a Notary Public in 1995.
- LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Chief TejuOguntoye has had a long and distinguished professional career spanning legal practice, public service and administration.
His early working experience included serving as Sales Manager at Owurolojo Commercial Stores Ltd., Lagos, and as a Class Teacher at Ilofa Grammar School, Kwara State.
Following his legal training, he served as State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice, Benin City, during his NYSC programme from 1985 to 1986. He subsequently worked with Shittu, Arosanyin& Co., Ilorin, as a Pupil Counsel.
In 1988, he entered into partnership with Barrister H. O. Buhari, establishing M/S Buhari, Oguntoye& Associates. The firm has grown over the years into a respected legal practice and one of the longest standing partnerships in Ilorin and Kwara State, earning recognition within the legal profession.
Chief Teju Oguntoye has also combined his legal career with public and politics activities. In October 1987, his people drafted him into politics, and he contested the 1988 Local Government election, where he was returned unopposed.
He represented the then Omu-Aran Ward 11 of Irepodun Local Government, comprising Arandun, Rore and Aran-Orin. At that time, the old Irepodun Local Government covered territories that later became Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti and Oke-Ero Local Government Areas.
Since entering public and political service as a young man, Chief TejuOguntoye has maintained a consistent interest in public affairs and community development.
His public-service responsibilities include:
- – Elected Councilor, Irepodun Local Government
- – Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Governor of Kwara State (2001–2003)
- – Senior Legislative Aides to Hon. Princess Olufuke Adedoyin
- – Senior Special Assistant on Judiciary Matters to the Governor of Kwara State (2014–2015)
- – Member, Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete
COMMUNITY AND LEADERSHIP SERVICE
Chief TejuOguntoye’s commitment to community development began at an early age.
In 1976, he was a Co-Founder of the Arandun Students’ Union. He subsequently served the organization in several capacities:
- – Auditor, 1976–1978
- – Social Secretary, 1978–1981
- – Vice President, 1982–1984
In 1984, he was also a Co-Founder of the Arandun Descendants’ Union, where he has served as Legal Adviser.
During his time at the University of Lagos, he served as a member of the Student House of Representatives. At the Nigeria Law School, he served as President of the Kwara State Law Students’ Association.
His other community and public responsibilities includes:
- – Member, Irepodun Local Government Finance and General Purpose Committee
- – Elected Delegate to the Conference District of the Constitutional Conference, 1994
- – National Legal Adviser, OmoIbileIgbomina
- – National Vice President, OmoIbileIgbomina
- – Members AsepoomoIbileIgbomina
- – Coordinator, Kwara South Consultative Forum
- – Legal Adviser, Arandun Descendants’ Union
Chief TejuOguntoye was also one of the distinguished Igbomina indigenes featured in a book titled “IGBOMINA: Our Heritage, Our Achievement, Our Pride,” a recognition of notable sons and daughters whose contributions have helped shape the history and development of Igbomina Land. Author by Holope venture in collaboration with the national body of OmoIbileIgbomina 2024
- TRADITIONAL AND CHIEFTAINCY TITLES
In recognition of his contributions to different communities across Igbomina Land, Chief TejuOguntoye has been honoured with several traditional titles, such as:
- Maiyegun of Eku-Apa Land
- Agbaakin of Eku, Somara Land
- Bobatolu of Oko-Irese Land
- Atobase of Okeya-Po
- OtunbaBamofin of Olla
- Atobase of Igbonla
These honours reflect the recognition accorded to him by various communities for his service, leadership and contributions to community development.
“HERO IN THE LAND” — A LANDMARK COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Chief TejuOguntoye occupies a special place in the history of the Arandun community as the first beneficiary of a book written of “Hero in the Land” which written and presented by the Comfort and Gold Impact Foundation.
He received the honour during the maiden edition in 2016.
This recognition stands as an important milestone in his community service which reflects the appreciation of his contributions, leadership, service and commitment to the development and progress of Arandun and its people.
PUBLIC AND POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Chief TejuOguntoye has actively participated in political organization and public administration at the local, state and senatorial levels.
His recorded political responsibilities include:
- – Chairman, ANPP, Irepodun Local Government Chapter
- – State Secretary, Caretaker Committee, ANPP, Kwara State
- – Pioneer State Organising Secretary, Action Congress (AC), Kwara State
- – Director, A.A. Campaign Organisation, Irepodun Local Government Area
- – Legal Adviser, Kwara Patriots
- – Senatorial Legal Adviser, APC Kwara South Chapter
- – Member, Kwara South APC Elders Forum
- – Member, Kwara State APC Elders Caucus
- – Member, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC)
Through these responsibilities, he has contributed to political organisation, legal advisory services, public affairs and community representation.
- PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Chief Teju Oguntoye is associated with:
– Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
– Nigeria Institute of Management (A.M.N.I.M.)
- HOBBIES
Outside his professional, political and community responsibilities, Chief TejuOguntoye has a keen interest in reading, tennis and jogging.
- LEGACY OF SERVICE
Chief Teju Oguntoye’s life and career reflect decades of commitment to professional practice, public service, community development, and political participation.
From his early days as a student leader and Co-Founder of the Arandun Students’ Union, through his legal career, public appointments, political responsibilities and community leadership, he has maintained a strong connection with the development of Arandun, Irepodun, Igbomina and Kwara State.
His service has cut across the legal profession, public administration, education, politics, traditional institutions and community organisations. His recognition as the first recipient of the “Hero in the Land” award in Arandun in 2016, alongside his numerous professional and community responsibilities, forms an important part of his enduring record of service.
Chief TejuOguntoye remains a prominent figure whose journey represents decades of service, leadership and commitment to the advancement of his people and society.
- CHURCH AND RELIGIOUS SERVICE
Chief Teju Oguntoye is also a committed Christian and has distinguished himself through active service in the church. In 2011, he was appointed and ordained a Deacon at Rhema Chapel International Churches, Ilorin, where he has continued to demonstrate commitment to Christian service, leadership and the advancement of the work of God.
His activities and contributions within the church have been notable and highly commendable. Through his dedication, participation and service, he has contributed to the spiritual and organizational life of the church and has continued to serve as an example of responsible Christian leadership.
His church service further reflects the values that have characterized his public and community life—faith, commitment, service, integrity and concern for the welfare of others.