My father was a family man –Ade Ajayi’s daughter

One of the five children of the late Ade Ajayi, Oyinkansola, said her father, who was a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos and Emeritus Professor of History, lived a fruitful life and maintained a close relationship with his children until the day he died.

The international scholar of high repute died on Saturday in Ibadan at 85, leaving behind his wife, Christianah, and five children.

On Monday, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, where the deceased retired in 1989, Prof. Isaac Adewole, led a team of the school management to the residence of the late Ajayi.

While receiving the sympathisers, Ajayi’s daughter said her father would always be remembered for his humility and love for excellence.

“It is sad to lose him, but we must thank God for his life that was not only impactful, but fruitful.

“My father, apart from being a great man of international repute in academics, was also a great family man that the whole members of the family will miss greatly,” she said.

Also present at the residence of the deceased was a former student of Ajayi, Abidoye Babalola, a former Commissioner for Education and Agriculture and Natural Resources in the old Oyo State, who said his former teacher prepared for his exit.

He said, “He believed in the university system and thorough university administration. A humble, friendly and unassuming man who made the most impact on my life; a man I’m proud of.

“Last week, he assembled all his children and grandchildren, played with them until Friday before his death on Saturday.”

He explained that the family engaged in a week-long self-organised documentary activities, with most of the children and grandchildren coming from overseas.

In his tribute, Adewole said Ajayi should be celebrated rather than being mourned because of his lengthy contribution to the development of mankind all over the world.

In the condolence register, which was first signed by a close friend of the family, Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe, Adewole wrote, “We, on behalf of UI, came to commiserate with the family and the international community of scholars, on the transition to the world beyond of a great scholar and icon. Baba, we thank God for a life dedicated to humanity and Africa.”