Late Professor Akinwumi Isola explored his literary potentials, contributions to develop humanity ―OAU VC

THE Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, on Tuesday said that the late Professor Akinwumi Isola remained a sterling embodiment of virtues, who explored his literary potentials and contributions to develop humanity.

Speaking during a day of tribute organised by the Faculty of Arts of the OAU in memory of Isola, the don underscored the need for Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of dedication, selflessness and honesty in all their endeavours as an impetus for the growth of the nation.

Ogunbodede, who described the literary giant as a pride to the creative arts industry, having made his mark through his artistic collaborations, most especially in the production of blockbuster homes videos affirmed that “Isola’s contributions would forever be relished. It is a thing of delight that while alive, his works did not go without recognition.”

According to the VC, “his enviable contributions to the development of humanity as a scholar of Yoruba language and literature are a bold testament of his conviction that elevating the status of humanity must necessarily take firm root from the standpoint of culture.”

“As we remember the great things that the departed scholar had done, this occasion is an opportunity for stock-taking and sober reflection. Let us all imbibe the spirit of dedication, selflessness, honesty and all the virtues that Professor Akinwumi Isola stood for. As human beings, we are all bound to go the way of all mortals,” Ogunbodede posited.

Earlier in his address, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, OAU, Ile-Ife, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti explained that “for us in Faculty of Arts, Professor Isola was not only a teacher, literary scholar, mentor, but also a role model in learning and character, recalling that “he was the Head of Department from 1987 to 1990.”

• The exit of Akinwunmi Isola

He further stated that “I have been following Akinwumi Isola’s campaign over the years, for African literary, and cultural productions in African languages. Languages to him are the living and eternal soul of culture. A culture that loses it loses all. So that Africans will not continue to lose it all, Isola chose to be an undeterred advocate of indigenous languages through literature, stage drama, films, music and other artistic outlets.”

The day of tribute was attended by Late Isola’s wife, Mrs Adefunke Adebola Isola, his eldest son, Barrister Akinjide Akinwumi Isola, Chief Jimi Solanke, Professor Kola Oyewo, Professor Dejo Afolayan, Professor Femi Mimiko, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor Femi Osofisan, Professor Chinwe Anyandike, Professor Olabiyi Yayi, Professor Tola Badejo, Chief Peter Fatomilola, the Eesa of Iragbiji, Chief Muraina Oyelami and host of others.