LATE REVD. TOLA OYEDIRAN LEFT A LEGACY OF LOVE - UI VC

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, has described the first daughter of Awolowo’s family, Revd. Omotola Olubunmi Oyediran as a lovely and caring mother, a church and community leader and wife to our former Vice-Chancellor who will be solidly missed by all those who knew her.

He made these remarks on Saturday, 17 October, 2020 when he led members of the University’s management on a condolence visit to the family of the late sage.

The VC said: “She left the legacy of love, showing love to all those who came across her; whether the high or the low. We do refer to her as ‘Mama Alanu Oke-Bola’, which summarises that she was loving and kind to the downtrodden and those who are high up there. So, she will be greatly missed by all.”

He encouraged Nigerians to also learn from her life and exhibit the virtues of love and kindness. In his words: “It is for us to be our brother’s keepers, love our fellow human beings, and not to look down on anyone whether we are in the same social class or not, always extend love wherever we find ourselves.”

Prof. Olayinka prayed that the good Lord will comfort our former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Oyeniran, her husband, because Mama was a very good companion of many years, the children, grandchildren and the entire Awolowo’s family.

Responding, the former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan and Physician, Professor of Preventive & Social Medicine, Prof. Allen Bankole Oladunmoye Olukayode Oyediran appreciated the university community for finding time to commiserate with the family during their time of grief. He noted that the death of his wife, who is supposed to clock 80 years on 01 December, 2020 was massive and sudden, but took solace in God. He thanked God for the life well spent and appreciated her love.

On the Vice-Chancellor's entourage were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Adebola Ekanola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Faluyi; Bursar, Dr. Micheal Alatise; Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun; Provost, Postgraduate College, Prof. Jonathan Babalola; Deputy Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Fatai Adeniyi; Director, University Advancement Centre, Mr. ‘Debo Adeosun; Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Oluwole Dada and the Director, Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo.