The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, on Sunday in Lagos extolled the virtues of the late former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, praising his immense contributions to university education and society.
Also eulogising the late scholar were Chief Tunde Fanimokun, 82, a high chief of Iruland, and Prof. Francis Ayo Ogunye, a former President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
They spoke at the 3rd biennial symposium and official launch of the Oye Ibidapo-Obe Technical University, to be located in Ilesa, Osun State. The speakers described the late academic as a world-renowned scholar and astute administrator. The proposed university aims to immortalise the late professor.
Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi expressed delight over the proposed university and its vision to nurture a global workforce.
The monarch specifically commended the widow of the late professor for keeping the vision alive, describing her as a great wife and an illustrious daughter of Ile-Ife.
“You have done exceptionally well in keeping the legacy of Professor Ibidapo-Obe,” the Ooni said. “Our late professor networked excellently during his lifetime, connecting with both the high and the low. He impacted people positively and contributed significantly to university education and the broader society. He did far more than just serving as a vice-chancellor.”
The monarch added: “To establish a university is a capital-intensive venture and is not easy. I know this because I am involved in it with Ojaja University. A university is not a profit-making venture; it is all about legacy. There is passion and patience in how you have gone about this, and finally, it has been done.”
In his remarks, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, described the late professor as a great scholar and a proud son of Ijesaland. While promising his full support for the project, he applauded all donors, particularly Chief Fanimokun, for their generosity.
Chief Fanimokun announced a personal donation of N10 billion to support the university, which requires N20 billion for its initial takeoff.
The event, held at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, attracted numerous dignitaries, including Dr. Olawale Babalakin, represented by Mr. Tayo Babalakin; former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Project Implementation Committee, Prof. Rahamon Ade Bello; Oba Ojutalayo; wife of the late professor, Mrs Olusola Ibidapo-Obe, a lawyer; and Prof. Duro Oni, among others.