Members of the Ago-Iwoye Muslim Community were in the University Main Campus on Thursday, 11th July to commiserate with the entire staff and students of the University Community on the death of Professor S. Ade Alli, (a.k.a. Issue), a distinguished Professor of African Philosophy and an illustrious son of Ago-Iwoye who passed away on Tuesday, 11th June 2019. The Muslim faithfuls were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde in his office.
Describing the virtues of the deceased, the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Tajudeen Rasheed said the late Professor Ade Alli “was an erudite scholar, a consummate administrator, tactful bridge builder and a peace maker Issue, as he was fondly called, was an amiable socialite, an epitome of humility and a gentleman per excellence”.
He added that when Professor Alli was alive, he was so friendly with people and he could not hurt a fly. “During his life-time, Professor Alli could neither hurt a fly nor any person that happened to come in contact with him”. He went on to say that Professor Alli would long be remembered for his passionate mediating and reconciliatory roles between the University and its immediate host community, Ago-Iwoye. He expressed the feelings of the Ago-Iwoye Muslim Community as “painful and a great sense of loss”. Alhaji Tajudeen later offered prayers for the University, Staff and Students. He prayed for the development of the University and long life for members of staff and students.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ganiyu Olatunde profusely thanked the Muslim Community for the condolence visit. Most importantly, he thanked the Kabiyesi, Oba Abdul Razak Adenugba, the League of Imams and Alfas and indeed the entire people of Ago-Iwoye Community for the support they have been given the University since his assumption of duty as the Vice-Chancellor. According to Professor Olatunde, “we thank the Chief Imam and Kabiyesi of Ago-Iwoye for the support they have been giving us and for been a good neighbor to our students”.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the fact that members of the Ago-Iwoye Muslim Community were the first set of people to visit the University and commiserate with the staff and students on the transition of Professor Ade Alli “who was the Chairman of the University Town and Gown Committee”. Professor Olatunde prayed that Allah would give the family and the colleagues of the deceased the courage and fortitude to bear the great loss. While sympathizing with the Ago-Iwoye Muslim Community, Professor Olatunde urged them to take solace in the sincere belief that Professor Ade Alli, had lived a meaningful and purposeful life and he had made his indelible mark in the sand of time. He, thereafter, prayed for the soul of the deceased to rest in peace.
In a related development, the Vice-Chancellor, has expressed his deepest sorrow on the death of Mr. Rasheed Adekunle Sikiru, Deputy Registrar, Students’ Affairs Division. Mr. Sikiru departed this earthly world on Friday, 26th July, 2019 at the age of 59. The Vice-Chancellor described his demise as a great loss to the University and the Ago-Iwoye Community. He described Mr. Sikiru as a seasoned administrator, dedicated staff and a loving father to his children.
A combined commendation service was held in his honour by the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) OOU Chapter on Friday, 2nd August, 2019 at the OGD Hall, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye. His remains had since been buried at his residence in Ago-Iwoye after a Funeral Church Service at the Methodist Church, Idode, Ago-Iwoye on Saturday, 3rd August, 2019.
