OLOWO-IN-Council Commends OAU VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, has been described by the Olowo-in-Council as a good ambassador of Owo Kingdom whose style of transparent leadership has brought unprecedented development to the University in less than two (2) years that he assumed the headship of the 57-year-old institution.

Speaking through High Chief Jamiu Ekungba, the Head of the Kingmakers and Ojumu of Owo, High Chief Famakinwa, commended Professor Ogunbodede for sustaining the ideals of the founding fathers of OAU (then, University of Ife), stressing that now that an Owo indigene is at the helm of affairs, things must positively turn around for the University which is a common heritage of all the Yorubas of the then Western region.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, states that Ogunbodede, was on a visit to the palace of Olowo, in Ondo State to condole with the kingmakers, chiefs, wives, children and the entire Owo Kingdom on the sudden demise of the 77-year-old monarch, Olowo of Owo, His Majesty, Oba David Victor Folagbade, Olateru-Olagbegi III.

The OAU helmsman, who extolled the virtues of the late monarch as a solid bridge-builder, a lover of his people, a dogged pursuer of Owo interests and a passionate custodian of customs and cultures of Owo Kingdom, urged other “Omo Olowo” to uphold the ideals which Oba Folagbade stood for.

Professor Ogunbodede said; “I just came to express my heartfelt condolence to all of us on the sudden transition of our highly revered monarch who has gone to join his ancestors.  I am here first as an indigene of Owo and, second, as the Vice-Chancellor of OAU to deliver a condolence message on behalf of the entire University Community”.

He described the late Olowo of Owo as a patriot of unquantifiable character whose indelible legacies in Owo and Yorubaland would be applauded by posterity.

Professor Ogunbodede, then, prayed that God should grant the Omo Olowo and all indigenes of Owo Kingdom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and also appoint a worthy successor who will build on the legacies of the late Oba David Victor Folagbade, the Olateru Olagbegi III.