Prof Afolabi Ojo Passes On at 90

Prof Afolabi Ojo Passes On at 90

Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Gabriel Jimoh Afolabi Ojo, has passed on at the age of 90.

Ojo transited in his sleep on the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, 2020, at his Ikeja residence in Lagos.

He was born to Pa Sanni Kowe Ojo and Chief (Mrs.) Lydia Aina in Ado-Ekiti on November 1, 1929,

Ojo was a teacher all his life and authored over 140 books and academic articles.

He was Chairman, Presidential Planning Committee on the Open University System in Nigeria (1980-81) and was then appointed as pioneer Vice Chancellor of the National Open University (1981-1984).

Away from academics, Ojo was an active member of the Catholic Church, as well as the local communities in Ado-Ekiti, Ife and Lagos.

He held the traditional chieftaincy titles of Asiwaju of Ado-Ekiti, Balogun of Imesi-Ekiti and Otun Maye of Ile-Ife.

According to a statement by the family, “Our father Gabriel Afolabi Ojo has gone to be with the Father of all fathers. He passed away peacefully at noon on Sunday August 30, 2020.

“We thank God for his life and the privileged of having him with us in the course of our journey here on earth. We couldn’t have asked for a better father. Please pray for the repose of his soul and the family he left behind.”

Ojo was blessed with three sons and three daughters from his union with Florence Bukunola Ojo (nee Adeyanju), who joined the Church triumphant on March 20, 2012. He also had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral rites will be conducted in his honour in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9, 2020.

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