Kwara Gov., Emir of Ilorin mourn passing of the first Professor of Geology in Africa
The Baba Adinni of Kwara State and first Professor of Geology in Africa, Alhaji Mosobalaje Jamiu Oyawoye has returned to his Creator, Allah.
He died on Monday at the age of 95.
The news of his death was announced in a statement issued by the President of Artisan Congress, Offa, Mallam Jimoh Apabiekun, who described the late Professor Oyawoye as a pioneer in the field of geology.
According to him, the late Oyawoye’s research and discoveries had helped to shape the understanding of the earth and its processes, and his dedication to teaching and mentoring had inspired countless students and professionals in the field over the years.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has labelled as a huge national loss the death of Prof. Mosobalaje Olaloye Oyawoye, describing him as one of the greatest Nigerians of all time and a pride of the state.
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor said the death of Africa’s first Professor of Geology is the end of a great era in academic accomplishments, dedication to community service and statesmanship.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the Olofa-in-Council, the Muslim community in Kwara State for whom he was the Baba Adinni and the Oyawoyes on this sad development. Prof. Oyawoye was in a class of his own in philanthropy, academic accomplishments, community service, leadership and support for national development. He was one of the last men standing and his death represents a huge void in everything he represented for Offa people, Kwara State and Nigeria.
“We find comfort in his fine legacies as the father of Geology in Africa, a powerful Crown Prince of Offa and a statesman who wielded so much influence and deployed the same for public good. We beseech Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-jannah Firdaus and keep his family on the right path.”
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has also mourned the death of Professor Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye who died on Monday at the age of 95.
The Emir described late Oyawoye, the Doyen of Geology in Africa, as a God-fearing scholar who lived his life with full commitment and dedication to the propagation of Islam.
This was contained in a condolence message issued by the Emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona.
“It is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that I heard the news of the passing of elderstatesman and Baba Adinni of Kwara State, Professor Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye”.
The emir described the deceased as a kind-hearted and loving man of integrity and father to all and sundry.
According to him, the late don raised the bar and promoted the images of Offa community, Kwara State and Nigeria at large with outstanding scholarship and reliable mentoring of generations.
The Emir commiserated with the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II and the government and people of Kwara State over the demise of the academic icon stressing that “his death was a great loss to humanity.”
The monarch also condoled with the families of the deceased – immediate and extended, praying God to give them the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Born in Offa in Kwara state on August 12, 1927, Prince Oyawoye, the Aremo of Offa, served as a lecturer at the University of Ibadan between 1960 and 1977. He was appointed a professor in 1966 at the age of 39 and became the first Professor of Geology in Africa.
His huge sacrifices as the Chairman, Jamat Nasril Islam (JNI), Balogun Imale (Leader of Muslims) of Offa and many more contributed immensely to his emergence as the Baba Adinni of Kwara State turbanned by the Emir of Ilorin on 14th April, 2017. He also served as the Chairman of the West Africa Examinations Council.
