This year, the University of Ibadan is celebrating its 70th year anniversary, and the Institute of African Studies of the university, last week, organised an art exhibition to commemorate the occasion.
The Institute also used the occasion to remember and honour late Professor Cornelius Adepegba, who contributed immensely to the development of the Institute, by renaming its museum after him.
In his opening remarks on the occasion, the director of the Institute, Dr Ishmaeel Jimoh, said it was a landmark moment in the history of the Institute with the renaming of the museum after late Professor Adepegba.
Dr Jimoh, who admitted that the contributions of the late professor to the development of the Institute was unquantifiable, however said renaming the museum after the late don was a novel way of appreciating his efforts and honouring him.
Dr Jimoh, while appreciating members of late Professor Adepegba’s family for their support, also thanked the three artists who donated artworks to the Institute.
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In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Idowu Abel Olayinka, said the history of the university could not be said without mentioning the Institute of African Studies, and much of the success of the Institute stemmed from the contributions of the pioneer curator, the late Professor Adepegba.
Professor Olayinka, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Kayode Adebowale, also thanked artists Martin Aibangbe, Adeola Balogun and Olu Amoda for the artworks donated to the Institute, which are worth over N15 million.
The Institute’s current curator, Professor Ohioma Pogoson, in his remarks, appreciated the Ondo State governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu; the Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo and the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, for gracing the occasion.
Professor Pogoson, who had a personal relationship with the late Professor Adepegba, described him as a kind and jovial man who impacted so much in his life.
Professor Pogoson, while going down memory lane, explained that Professor Adepegba was just so nice to him that he allowed him to use his car around campus.
“I am happy that we are honouring him in the Institute; he made positive impact in the lives of many people.
“We also cannot talk about visual arts in the Nigeria without mentioning Professor Adepegba, and I am grateful to the Governing Council of the institution for giving approval to the renaming of the museum,” Professor Pogoson said.
While speaking, the Ondo State governor, Mr Akeredolu, explained that it was Professor Pogoson who insisted that he must be part of the event.
The governor said his relationship with Professor Pogoson dated as far back as 1978, “and he is somebody who I respect so much.
“I also know how he used to talk about the late Professor Adepegba whenever we were together back in the days, and I am happy to be here to witness the honour accorded such a great man,” Governor Akeredolu said.
After the unveiling of artworks donated by Aibangbe, Amoda and Balogun, guests then went through a collection of photographs by Uche James Iroha, before members of the Alajota Dance Troupe entertained them
and then