UI management condoles with the Banjo family
A team of Principal Officers of the University of Ibadan led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju has paid a condolence visit to the Bodija home of Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodeji Banjo, CON, NNOM, FNAL, over the demise of the University’s longest-serving Vice Chancellor.
Professor Baiyeroju said the visit was on behalf of the Council, Senate, Congregation, staff, and students of the University of Ibadan.
She explained that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, were away on official assignments, adding that the Management would repeat the visit when all the Principal Officers are on ground.
Professor Baiyeroju said even though Emeritus Professor Banjo lived a worthy life and reached the ripe age of 90 years, his death still came as a shock because the deceased was not only a former VC of UI but a beloved uncle to many on campus.
She said Emeritus Professor Banjo led a fruitful long life and was able to leave legacies of hard work and goodwill, saying that many are proud to be associated with Professor Banjo.
The team was received by Mr. Gbenga Adeogun, a grandson of the deceased who disclosed that Emeritus Professor Banjo died in his sleep in the morning of Friday, 24 May, 2024, at the age of 90.
He said he was happy to have been with his grandfather the previous night.
The Registrar, Mr. Ganiu Saliu prayed for the wellness of the entire family, the University of Ibadan family, other academic family, and Nigeria as a whole asking God to endow others with the spirit of service that Professor Banjo was endowed with.
Earlier this month, the University of Ibadan offered a note of gratitude to Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo to celebrate his 90th birthday at a concert organised by The Ibadan Philharmonic Society in conjunction with the University of Ibadan.
Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo was a distinguished scholar, outstanding administrator, mentor, author, and sportsman .
He served as a living repository of cultural memories, passing down traditions, values, and events that shape collective identities.
He has been described as a gift to humanity and, more importantly, to the University of Ibadan, where he is remembered as the longest serving Vice-Chancellor from 1984 till 1991.
Other members of the team were: Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships; Mr Ganiu Oke Saliu, Registrar; Dr. Mercy A. Iroaganachi, University Librarian; and Mrs Adejoke O. Akinpelu, the University’s Public Relations Officer.
