Gov. Adeleke, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, others mourn Passing of Renowned Historian, Prof. Oyeweso

By: Aminah Salako – Adekunle 

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed sadness over the passing of the Chairman and Pro – Chancellor of the Governing Council of  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Abdulgafar Siyanbola Oyeweso, describing his death as a big loss.

This is as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the distinguished historian and Yoruba culture custodian.

In a statement issued by the Governors’ Spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Governor Adeleke expressed shock by the demise of the renowned historian.

He said that Osun state and Nigeria has been denied the service of one of its best.

The Governor extends heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Prof. Oyeweso, the Timi of Ede and the people of Ede, over this irreplaceable loss.

He also condoles with the Management and the entire community of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), who lost a refined leadership of the institution.

“I am disheartened to learn about the unfortunate passing of Professor Abdulgafar Siyanbola Oyeweso, the Pro-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Professor Oyeweso was an erudite academia who dedicated most part of his life to shaping futures from the classrooms.

“On behalf of the good people of Osun State, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Timi of Ede and the people of Ede, the OAU community, mentees and everyone touched by this devastating loss,”Governor Adeleke remarked.

Governor Adeleke prays to Almighty Allah to repose his soul and grant his family, kin, associates and everyone touched by his passing the fortitude to bear the pain of the loss.

Similarly, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, has also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of distinguished historian and Yoruba culture custodian, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.

In a condolence message, Prof. Sulaiman described the late scholar as “a towering intellectual, a heritage preservation advocate, and one of Nigeria’s finest historical minds whose death is a huge loss to the academic world and the Yoruba cultural community.”

Prof. Oyeweso, a respected Professor of History, authored numerous books, academic chapters and journal articles. His scholarship shaped national discourse across Military and Strategic Studies, Cultural History, Islamic Culture in Nigeria, Yoruba inter-state relations, and identity studies. He was widely celebrated for his ability to bridge history, culture, and contemporary realities.

Prof. Sulaiman noted that the late academic was not only a national asset but also a personal friend, collaborator, and cultural ally deeply committed to the advancement of Yoruba heritage and community development. He highlighted the late historian’s enduring legacy, particularly his leadership at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Abere, Osun State, where he served as Executive Director.

“Prof. Oyeweso dedicated his life to nurturing scholars with cultural consciousness and building institutions that preserve our collective memory. His contributions will continue to shape generations,” Prof. Sulaiman said.

He extended heartfelt condolences to Nigeria’s academic community, cultural institutions, associates, friends, and the Oyeweso family, praying for strength and comfort during this difficult period.

Also, the President, Ede Elders Council (Igbimo Agbaagba Omo Ilu Ede), Alhaji Sulaimon Adebayo has described the death of the renowned historian Prof Gafar Siyan Oyeweso as a collosal loss to the academic community and Ede in particular.

In a statement, Adebayo said the Elders were deeply saddened that the Community has lost a highly committed patriot and an academic of repute.

In a statement signed by Chief (Dr) Ayodele Adeyemo, the Director,  Publicity of the Council, Adebayo said:

“Siyan was a philanthropist, humble, amiable and was always willing to be a pathfinder to our youths, sponsoring and mentoring our willing and aspiring youths in Ede community. He was a man with large mind”.

Professor Siyan Oyeweso until his death was the  Chairman of Council Obafemi Awolowo University, his Alma Mater, Provost College of Post Graduate Studies, Osun State University, a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, (FNAL).

As a renowned academic and reputable researcher, and historian of reference, Prof Siyan authored many books and numerous articles in world class journals.

He was versatile using the Media for education on culture, and people of Yoruba race.