By Nkechi Eze
The Global Great Ife Alumni Association has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor AbdulGaffar Siyan Oyeweso, Chairman of Council and Pro-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, describing his death as a monumental loss to the academic world and humanity at large.
In a condolence statement jointly signed by the Global President, Barrister Leye Bunmi Falode, and the Publicity Secretary, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Association said Professor Oyeweso’s sudden demise came as a painful and shocking blow to the Great Ife community and the global alumni network, noting that he remained an active and dedicated alumnus until his passing.
The Alumni body praised the late scholar as an internationally respected academic whose intellectual footprint and contributions would be deeply missed by the university community, colleagues, and former students. They described him as a gifted child from an early age, whose brilliance shaped his career as a teacher, lecturer, historian, administrator, and humanist renowned for excellence.
According to the statement, Professor Oyeweso lived an impactful life marked by humility, integrity, courage, and principled leadership. The Association highlighted that his achievements and influence during his short tenure as Council Chairman and Pro-Chancellor were widely acknowledged, adding that the university community had looked forward to his continued contributions as preparations advanced for the forthcoming convocation ceremonies.
While lamenting that his life ended at 64, the Association expressed consolation in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life devoted to service, scholarship, and humanity. It prayed for Allah to grant him eternal blessings, forgive his shortcomings, comfort his family and loved ones, and reward him with Aljanah Firdaus.
