Professor Adesanya (middle) flanked by Prof. Abiodun Oni and others during his valedictory season
By Deborah Owopeju
With the demise of Esa – Oke luminaries like impactful educationist Mrs. Phebian Itayemi Ogundipe, influential civil servant Chief George Ige, his brother, the cerebral politician and administrator, Uncle Bola Ige, and with the likes of Balogun Eddy Omotoso, world renowned journalist, in the twilight of their careers, up emerges a new breed of movers and shakers of the country, who are Esa Oke indigenes. One of them, Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo stands tall among his peers.
Professor Adebayo rose to become the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, (ACU), Oyo. He is the first Esa Oke indigene to attain such a height in academia. Now leaving that exalted position, the cerebral Professor is being rightly and effusively celebrated by his kinsmen and women, with various encouraging words on the various Esa Oke WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms.
In a message announcing the valedictory service, Chief Joshua Folorunso Babajide, chairman of the ESA Oke Elders Council, elatedly penned his congratulatory message: “Congratulations to our great brother, the first Esa Oke indigene to attain the prestigious post of Vice Chancellor. We are proud of your unblemished and glorious tenure as VC of Ajayi Crowther University. We wish you more success in Jesus’ name.”
A retired school principal, Pa Mathew Ogunkeyede expressed gratitude to God on behalf of his mentee, Professor Adebayo. He stated, “We thank God for your life and for being a pride to Esa Oke and Oke Iloro Quarters in particular. We appreciate your contributions to education and human development as the Vice Chancellor of ACU, Oyo. We wish you more success in Jesus’ name.” To this, Mrs. Taiwo responded with an enthusiastic “Amen in Jesus’ name.”
Elder Akin Ogunkanmi, from the Saode dynasty, described Professor Adebayo as a worthy ambassador and true son of Esa Oke land. He prayed, “May God see you through in your next endeavour, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Kehinde Adeyemi rejoiced with his mentor, saying, “Celebration! Celebration!! Celebration!!! Celebration of God’s favour, blessings, and faithfulness in the life of our academic giant, Emeritus Professor, Baba Mi, Prof. Timothy Abiodun Adebayo. We celebrate you today for your successful journey, good governance, and exemplary leadership. More grace in Jesus’ name, Sir.”
Jaye Ogunribido, a contemporary of the outgoing VC, congratulated him and his family as he completed his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University Oyo. He remarked, “God will continue to elevate you. Heaven is your starting point. Big congratulations to an erudite scholar.”
From the Elders Social platform, the Secretary of the Council of Elders, Chief Akin Onifade congratulated Professor Adebayo, describing him as humble, an icon, and an academic colossus, a pride of Esa Oke.
The Otunba of Esa Oke, Akin Adaramola, hailed the integrity of the retiring VC on his job. He added, “Congratulations to a man of achievements, who not only justified his divine appointment but also honoured his Creator by completing his tenure as Vice Chancellor with integrity.”