The late former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe was working on a book centered on the history of Ijesaland, with the manuscript at completion stage before death came calling.
Penpushing reports that, the Ijesa born academic was searching for a reputable book publisher for the manuscript when the sad incident occurred on Sunday evening of January,3 2021
The colleague of late Ibidapo-Obe, Prof Adedeji Badru made this known in his tribute, recalling that the deceased emailed him on this development, adding that the two of them discussed the project extensively but never knew death was lurking around to snatch the cerebral author.
‘He emailed me about his search for a reputable book publisher for the manuscript he was working on about the History of Ijeshaland. We exchanged several text and email messages on that topic for several days, during which period I informed him that I also was thinking of writing a personal account on Epeland, where I hailed from’,Badiru recalled.
Penpushing further reports that, Badiru appealed to the late Professor’s kinsmen to follow up the laudable project, in ensuring it see the light of the day, so that it would be a lasting legacy in his memory.
‘If his Ijesha colleagues could move forward to complete his planned book on the History of Ijeshaland, it would be a lasting legacy in his memory. We will all miss Oye Ibidapo-Obe forever’, he stated.
Penpushing also reports that, Badiru lamented that he still find it difficult to believe that, his scholarly partner is gone forever, adding that the only comfort he can derive from the sorrowful exit of event was that, Ibidapo-Obe left an indelible positive mark on the society.
‘I still find it hard to believe that my scholarly partner and research buddy is gone. Gone forever. This is a sad twist of life. The only comfort I can derive from this sorrowful event is that Oye lived his life his own way but left an indelible positive mark on the society’.
‘His lessons of life will continue to benefit humanity for ages to come. His untimely death is a monumental loss for the scientific and engineering communities around the world. Yes, around the world, because Oye touched many parts on the world and left his scholarly imprints everywhere’, Badiru emphasised.
‘He never declined any opportunity to collaborate intellectually. Upon all of these, he was such a simple man with simple needs. Amidst our many social pleasantries, we engaged in many, many high-level ruminations on how to use our scholarly tools to facilitate a sustainable development pathway for Nigeria’.
‘He was an ardent patriot and ambassador of Nigeria’s development and advancement. Oye had a unique talent of working with diverse cadres of people both horizontally and vertically. This ability enriched his life and made it possible for him to go anywhere and interact professionally in multiple ways.
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