To a first-time observer, Dr Adeleke Olusegun Pitan (aka, Dr 123) may appear a stern, methodical man – a strict disciplinarian whose presence commands order. Yet this initial impression quickly gives way to warmth, sincerity and engaging conversation. His carriage is calm, assured, and purposeful, never arrogant nor self-important, though he is known to have little patience for frivolity. At home and in public life, he has always emphasised meticulous planning and precise execution; traits he cultivated from his formative years as a student at Igbobi College, Lagos.

Dr Adeleke Olusegun Pitan (DLP)

From his early twenties, whether as a young medical practitioner or a student activist, Dr Pitan found himself entrusted with professional and public responsibilities. He met them all with resilience, discipline and quiet effectiveness, surmounting challenges without fuss. Now, as the man fondly known as Dr Leke Pitan ascends firmly into his seventh decade, a retrospective look at his life leaves one conclusion: he deserves a standing ovation. For what he has stood for, what he represents, what he has contributed, and the principled figure he has become, he merits every applause.

Early life and family background

Born on 14 January 1956 in the Olowu area of Isale Eko, Lagos Island, Dr Adeleke Olusegun Emmanuel Pitan hails from the distinguished family of Superior Evangelist David Ibikunle and Deaconess Solabomi Ojuolape Pitan, both originally from Agbowa-Ikosi in the Epe division of Lagos State. His father was a notable First Republic politician who served five terms as a councillor in both the old Lagos Island and Epe Local Government Councils. His mother was a devoted Christian whose influence reflected in her son’s disciplined upbringing.

Education and academic distinction

Dr Pitan’s academic journey is marked by excellence. He began at LCC Primary School, Okesuna (1965–1970) before proceeding to Igbobi College, Yaba (1970–1975), where he completed his Ordinary Level examinations with distinction. He further attended the prestigious King’s College, Lagos (1975–1977) for his Advanced Levels.

He later studied Medicine at the University of Ibadan, graduating with distinction from the University College Hospital (UCH) in 1982. In 2007, he earned a Master’s in Public Health from Lagos State University (LASU).

Although initially torn between Law and medicine – a choice shaped by his father’s commitment to public service – he ultimately settled on Medicine as the more direct path to serving society.

Professional career and contributions to public health

Dr Pitan has had a distinguished and varied career across clinical, administrative and political roles. He served as Chief Medical Director of Mayowa Hospital in Lagos before rising to become one of the most influential health administrators in the country.

A testament to his global stature, in 2005 he became the first African member of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) Governing Council, representing Nigeria. He later served two consecutive terms as Treasurer of the Council. He is also a member of the Forum on Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making of the Nigerian Academy of Science and has chaired the Project Advisory Committee for the Ford Foundation’s Health Journalists’ Immersion Programme on Maternal, Child and Newborn Health.

He is currently the Executive Director of the Pitman-UK Training Centre in Nigeria.

Commissioner for Health and Education, Lagos State

Dr Pitan’s most celebrated public service came through his roles as Honourable Commissioner for Health and later Honourable Commissioner for Education in Lagos State under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State (now President of Nigeria).

His tenure was notable for many novel, reformative and impactful initiatives in both ministries. Among his most enduring legacies is the conceptualisation and implementation of the Mass Health Mission, an intervention designed to address the shortage of healthcare facilities across Lagos. Initially met with scepticism, the programme soon became a signature element of the Tinubu administration and was later adopted nationally by governments, NGOs and private institutions alike. Today, Mass Health Missions are widely recognised as an essential supplementary healthcare delivery model across Nigeria.

For his contributions, Dr Pitan has received multiple honours, including the National Merit Awards of both the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria.

Political involvement and leadership

Outside medicine, Dr Pitan has been a political force for decades. His political journey began in the early 1980s in the youth wing of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) under the mentorship of the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande. He played an active role in various political movements shaping Nigeria’s political evolution through the Second and Third Republics.

DLP and then newly elected VICE PRESIDENT Prof Osibajo (Now former VP) at his house in VGC 2015

DLP with Senator Adeleke Mamora ex-Speaker, Minister of Health and Science and Technology at his daughter’s wedding in Chicago, USA , 2022

A committed progressive, he was among the five Lagos delegates to the historic inaugural Afenifere meeting in Owo in January 1983. He later took part in the struggle to uphold the June 12, 1993 presidential election results, joining many Nigerians in condemning the annulment.

He also contributed to the formation of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) after the fall of the Abacha regime and was a strong supporter of the late Engr. Funsho Williams during the 1998 AD primaries.

His political maturity came to national attention during the 2014 Lagos APC governorship primaries, where despite losing the ticket, his calmness and statesmanship helped to stabilise the party during a volatile period. His political movement, the DLP Movement, championed inclusive governance and equal opportunity for all Lagosians.

Student leadership, alumni service and community roles

From his youth, Dr Pitan demonstrated a firm commitment to leadership and service. He served as:

National President, National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) (1981–1982).
Set Chairman, Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBS) (2007), where he set remarkable standards for alumni leadership.
President, Pivot Club of Epe (1997–1999).
Recipient of the NMA National Merit Award, and
Recipient of the ICOBA National Merit Award (2008)

Dr Pitan is flanked by his ICOBA class mates. From left, Mr Bankole (aworosasa), Canon Solomon, Rev. Koko, The celebrant, Dr Pitan and Mr Ajibola.

Values, philosophy and personal mission

In an interview, he once expressed his guiding philosophy:

“I want to be an instrument of change that guarantees true inclusion and popular participation in governance – ensuring that every Nigerian has hope that their life’s purpose can be fulfilled, and that the greatest good is served to the greatest number.”

This vision has shaped every public role he has taken on.

Legacy at 70

Now at 70 years of age, Dr Leke Pitan stands tall as a disciplined professional, a transformational public administrator and a loyal progressive. His contributions to healthcare, education and governance have left deep imprints in Lagos State and across Nigeria. He will be long remembered for his impactful service, principled leadership and unwavering commitment to uplifting society through healthcare, education and political engagement.

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Alagba Afolayan Adebiyi, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

Edited by: Segun Martins Fajemisin,

Contributions: Franklyn Olushola Frantos Sr.

Photo credits: The Pitan family archive.