Obafemi Awolowo University @60; Oba Adesoji Aderemi Bags Posthumous Award

Oba Sir Tadenikawo Adesoji Aderemi, Ooni of Ife from 1930 to 1980, a former Governor of Western Region of Nigeria (1960-1962) and founding father of the prestigious University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has been honoured by the Museum of Natural History of Obafemi Awolowo University as part of the activities marking the 60th anniversary of the institution.

The A. G. Leventis Museum of Natural History of Obafemi Awolowo University celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Obafemi Awolowo University and Fifty years of existence of the OAU Natural History Museum with an Anniversary Lecture, an Award Ceremony and a Special Exhibition featuring Relics and Photographs showing the Times and Life of Oba Adesoji Aderemi (KCMG), which will be opened to the public till the last day of December 2021.

Receiving the award on behalf of their father, Prince Aderounmu Aderemi and Prince Owoade Aderemi thanked the Obafemi Awolowo University and the Natural History Museum for keeping the legacy of Oba Adesoji Aderemi alive.

Other award recipients are Late Dr. A. A.Ayansola (also posthumous), Prof. M. A. Isawumi, Olasupo Shasore (SAN) and HRM Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Ogunsanwo.

Notable personalities in attendance at the event includes the Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Daramola, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, and the Chairman of the OAU @60, Professor Charles Ugochukwu Ukeje.

Professor Adisa Ogunfolakan, the Director of A. G. Leventis Museum of Natural History, said Oba Adesoji Aderemi is honoured with the Award for his role in the establishment of the University, his visionary, selfless, courageous and progressive leadership that impacted on a better tomorrow for the ancient city of Ile-Ife and the entire country and also for his contribution in protecting the rich cultural resources God gave Ile-Ife, getting Ile-Ife the desired attention required of the cradle of the Yoruba race and in putting records straight concerning Ife Arts.

In his own remark, Oba Adeyeye who came to the event with a regal-line of traditional rulers said Ooni Aderemi who he delightfully refers to as his grandfather is the epitome of visionary leadership, a king with indelible track record and a fore father worthy of emulation.