Pioneer African Professor of Geology, Oyawoye dies
… Kwara Gov pays tribute• Says his death a national loss
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
The first Professor of Geology in Africa, Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye, is dead.
Professor Oyawoye died this evening at the age of 95.
Late Oyawoye who is also the Baba Adini of Kwara State his due to celebrate is 96th birthday come 12th August this year.Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has described as a huge national loss the death of Prof. Mosobalaje Olaloye Oyawoye (CON), describing him as one of the greatest Nigerians of all time and a pride of the state.
In a condolence message on Monday, 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 Adini, 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,” the Governor said.
“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.”
