Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has mourned the demise of Prof. Mosobalaje Olaloye Oyawoye, the first professor of Geology in Africa.
AbdulRahman said the saying Nigeria has lost an icon, describing him as one of the greatest Nigerians of all time and a pride of the state.
The Governor In a condolence statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, , the Governor added that the death of Oyawoye 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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari also grieved over the death of Prof. Oyawoye who passed away Monday, May 22.
Alhaji Ibrahim said the late Geologist is a God fearing scholar who had contributed a lot to the propagation of Islam.
“It is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that I heard the news of the passing of elderstatesman and Baba Adini of Kwara State, Professor Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye”.
The Emir further noted that the deceased through his excellent academic exploits has promoted the reputation of Offa Community and the nation at large.
