Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has expressed sadness on the death of eminent historian and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Emeritus Professor Jacob Festus Ade-Ajayi, who passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2014.
Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr 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 Professor Ade-Ajayi as a man of integrity who built a reputation of hard work, honesty and represented the core values of Ekiti.
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.
“The works of this great scholar in the field of History have become reference points to scholars, researchers, students and the general reading public.”
Mr Kayode Fayemi 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 the deceased would be very difficult to fill.
“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.
