Osoba, Amosun, Alake hail ex-OOU VC at 85

Former Ogun State governors, Olusegun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun, alongside the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, have described the former Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Afolabi Soyode, as a symbol of integrity, excellence and selfless service.

The dignitaries spoke on Friday in Abeokuta during the celebration of Soyode’s 85th birthday and the unveiling of his book, Abeokuta Club: The Making of a Life President.

Represented by former federal lawmaker, Adekunle Adeyemi, Osoba described Soyode as an accomplished scholar and community leader whose contributions had positively impacted Egbaland and Ogun State.

He said, “Prof. Soyode is a complete gentleman and a community leader par excellence who wants the very best for Egbaland and the state as a whole.”

The former governor added that Soyode remained “a beacon of exemplary leadership and selfless service,” praying that God would preserve him in good health to celebrate many more years.

In his remarks, Amosun also congratulated the former vice-chancellor and his wife for what he described as a lifetime of remarkable accomplishments and dedicated service.

The former governor said, “There is hardly any responsibility entrusted to Professor Soyode that he did not carry out with excellence. He discharged every assignment diligently, conscientiously and with integrity.”

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He said Soyode embodied the values of integrity, discipline, honesty and hard work upon which strong institutions were built, praying that he would live to celebrate his 100th birthday while continuing to provide guidance and mentorship.

Also, the Alake of Egbaland described Soyode’s life as one of remarkable achievements in academia, leadership and community service.

Oba Gbadebo recalled the former vice-chancellor’s rise from the University of Ibadan to becoming Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he was voted the best vice-chancellor among state universities in 2007.

The royal father also praised Soyode’s commitment to Egbaland, noting that his dedication earned him the title of Aare Olu Omo of Egbaland and the rare privilege of becoming the Life President of the Abeokuta Club.

“You make us immensely proud as an illustrious son of Egbaland,” the monarch said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Otunba Wale Soyode described the octogenarian as a teacher who shaped lives, an economist who influenced public policy and a community leader committed to building enduring institutions.

He prayed that God would grant the elder statesman continued good health and strength to sustain his service to humanity.