Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed sadness over the death of eminent historian and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Emeritus Professor Jacob Festus Ade-Ajayi, who died on Sunday.
Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, described the Ikole-Ekiti-born renowned scholar and administrator as an intellectual giant whose legacies would continue to benefit generations to come.
The governor described the late Ade-Ajayi as a man of integrity who built a reputation of hard work, honesty and represented the core values of Ekiti State people.
He said the deceased was a great Ekiti State Ambassador who positively projected the image of the state and that of Nigeria all over the world.
He added that the renowned historian showed tremendous concern for the growth and development of Ekiti State.
Fayemi recalled his last engagement with the Emeritus Professor of History shortly after the June 21 governorship election in the state, describing him as a man of immense wisdom, who was ever willing to encourage and mentor the younger ones.
Describing Ade-Ajayi as “Professor of Professors”, Fayemi noted that the late History icon mentored numerous scholars who had contributed immensely to teaching, learning and research all over the world, adding: “The works of this great scholar in the field of History have become reference points to scholars, researchers, students and the general reading public.”
The governor said Ade-Ajayi’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos recorded unprecedented successes and still remains a reference point in the history of the institution.
He noted that the vacuum created by his death would be very difficult to fill given his impact in academia, administration, culture and other areas of human endeavour.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I send my condolences to the family of this great man and we pray God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss,” the statement added.
The renowned historian died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan on Saturday.
A professor emeritus of the University of Ibadan, Ade-Ajayi clocked 85 on May 26, 2014.
