By Adeleye Ahmed
Late Prof. Mosobalaje Oyawoye’s demise was announced by his son, Prince Olukitibi Oyawoye, on Monday evening.
Late Prof who passed on at the age of 96 years was born in Offa, 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 nominated as a professor in 1966 at the age of 39 and became the first Professor of Geology in Africa.
He also served as the Chairman of the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) during his lifetime.
Reacting to his death, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state, in a comforting message signed by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, narrated Oyawoye’s death as a huge nationwide loss.
The governor said the death of Africa’s first professor of geology was the edge of a great era in academic successes, dedication to community service, and statesmanship.
“My heartfelt condolences goes 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 Adini, and the Oyawoyes on this sad development.
“Prof. Oyawoye was in a class of his own in benevolence, 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 brandished so much impact 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 governor said.
On his part, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, HRH Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described late Oyawoye as a “God fearing scholar who lived his life with full commitment and dedication to the propagation of Islam.
Also, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Eswuoye II, in a condolence message said the deceased led a fulfilled life.
