The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Isaac Adewole has said the late Emeritus Prof. Jacob Festus Ade-Ajayi was one of those who championed the anti-colonial scholarship that “successfully countered Eurocentric historiography.”
He noted that the feat established that Africa had a history, which pre-dated the arrival of the Europeans.
Adewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari, spoke yesterday at the lying-in-state ceremony in honour of the late eminent historian and scholar, on the university’s premises.
He said: “We are gathered here to pay tribute to a man who for almost six decades was one of the towering figures in the life of this university. During his distinguished career in academic, he was one of those who championed the anti-colonial scholarship that successfully countered Eurocentric historiography.
“He lived a highly successfully and rewarding life. During his time at Ibadan, he helped to build the next generations of historians that spread the message of the new historiography far and wide.
“As a foremost teacher and scholar, numerous students have passed through his tutelage. Underlying his teaching and his scholarship was a rare and gifted spirit caught up in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, wherever they might be found, wherever they might be. Still is the story told of the beauty of the language, the clarity of his analyses and the profundity of his thoughts.”
Also, paying tribute to the late historian was the President of the Nigeria Academy of Letters (NAL), Prof. Olatunji Oloruntimehin, who said: “He spearheaded the establishment of an apex organisation that served both humanities and social science.
“He was a pillar of our academy and one of the foundation fellows. Even when he was frail in health, he continued to encourage the development of the academy by writing and by attendance at the academy activities. We are encouraged by his uncommon gift to family, scholars and to humanity.”
The late emeritus professor’s immense legacy, he said, would continue to be a guiding light to future generation.
Another colleague, Prof Wale Oyemakinde, said the four score and five years that Ade-Ajayi spent on earth were loaded with excellent scholarship, fruitful teaching, enduring service, inspiring relationships, cross-cultural impact, penetrating vision, golden mentorship and spectacular landmarks.
He noted that manybeneficiaries of the Ade-Ajayi’s phenomenon were co-witnesses at the event
“As the University of Ibadan is saying goodbye to our own Ade-Ajayi and the University of Lagos is paying last respects to the former vice-chancellor, Nigeria, Africa and the global arena of scholarship jointly wish that perpetual light would be your portion. The unfinished task that nobody could ever have settled to its end must be vigorously pursued for the betterment of mankind,” Oyemakinde said.
Shortly after the ceremony, a commendation service was held at the university’s Chapel of the Resurrection.
The Chaplain of the chapel, Rev. T.O Olatunji, described the late emeritus professor as a kind, generous and God-fearing man, who lived all his life to serve God and humanity.
“The late Prof. Ade-Ajayi was a teacher of scholars, an accomplished administrator, a calm, humble and serene gentleman, who had lived a fruitful life to serve God and humanity. His last days on this altar on Sunday, he danced, he praised God as never before and the following Thursday, he was pronounced dead. We are going to miss him in this church because he was our grand patron for more than 23 years,” Olatunji said
He condoled with the wife and family members, urging them to carry on with the leagacy he left behind.
In her appreciation remarks, the late Ade-Ajayi’s daughter, Mrs. Funmi Ogunlesi, thanked the university community and other guests for their unflinching support and love.
“We will miss our beloved father so much, but God loves him more. He is always doing his things in a focused and dedicated way. In his last days, he became more dedicated to God’s works,” she said
Other dignitaries present included Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe, Pro-Chancellor, UI, Gen. Adebayo Adeyinka, Registrar of the institution, Mr. Olujimi Olukoya, its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, Prof. Olu Falase and son of late Attorney General and Minsiter of Justice, Muyiwa Ige.
