Tribute to Prof Wale Olaitan

PROFESSOR Wale Areola Olaitan, a renowned expert in Political Theory and State-Society Relations, who served in various capacities at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)—including as Head of the Political Science Department, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and ultimately, the first alumnus to become Vice-Chancellor—passed away on Monday, March 24, at the age of 60.

Mourning Comrade Prof. Wale Are Olaitan is especially difficult for me, as I never expected his passing so soon—especially after he requested the link to my university lecture on March 6, 2025. His death is a painful loss for me, as his confidant and comrade in selfless service since we first met in the early 2000s. Our journey began when we were hired as consultants for UNICEF, thanks to Dr. Noman Owen’s-Ibie, who brought together the late Prof. Wale Olaitan, Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Dr. Sunny Enemaku, Prof. Umaru Pate, and myself. We worked tirelessly for over a week to develop a manual for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV around 2004. For the next few years, we trained beneficiaries across Nigeria on how to adopt it. I still vividly remember my popular song, Paracetamol, which I used to teach trainees at various centers. Since then, we collaborated on numerous projects, shared confidential information and aspirations, and stood together through moments of joy and sorrow. His protracted illness was undoubtedly a heavy blow to our movement, yet he remained in high spirits whenever we spoke. The nation has indeed lost an honest, selfless, and patriotic gem in this distinguished academic and administrator, Professor Wale Are Olaitan.

After his tenure as Vice-Chancellor was unjustly terminated for political reasons, and his severance benefits remained unpaid to this day—while many remained silent—I urged him to join me at IBB University, Lapai, Niger State, where he served as a Visiting Professor for about five years. One of my most memorable encounters with Prof. Wale Olaitan was during a UNICEF assignment in Ogoniland. That trip remains indelible in my memory. We were in Port Harcourt, and the assignment was decentralized to cover different locations across the state. Our team was dispatched to the headquarters of Ogoniland. We stayed in a hotel but had to check our emails at the only service centre in town. We quickly learned the importance of being cautious—whenever people whispered, “The boys are coming,” businesses shut down, and many scrambled for safety. One morning, as we waited for our driver at 7 a.m., we saw a group of young men and women drinking heavily and arguing intensely. Watching them in dismay, we could only pray for our safety in such an unpredictable environment.

On the first day of fieldwork, we arrived at the riverbank, where we were to ferry across to Andoni. It was my first time wearing a life jacket on a canoe, followed by a 30-minute speedboat ride. As we burst into the Atlantic, we were welcomed by the ocean waves and the dramatic movements of boats speeding in opposite directions. I’m not sure I would ever repeat such a journey, no matter how much I was offered! I vividly remember Wale and me taking pictures on the flying speedboat, looking at each other, and asking, “Is this really worth it?” To God be the glory, we witnessed sea accidents but came out unscathed. That experience remains unforgettable. That journey was the beginning of a deep and lasting bond with Prof. Wale. Though we were part of a larger team, I formed a unique connection with him. I fondly called him “Walynton,” while he called me “Mo.” He was such a lovable and peaceful character—a complete gentleman, highly cerebral, analytical, and an excellent editor and writer. There was no article I wrote without first seeking his review before publishing.

We had countless conversations about the political survival of our nation, and the only other person with whom I shared such deep political analysis was the late Prof. Emmanuel Osuji. Wale was a true patriot, and our discussions always centered on patriotism, national progress, and cohesion—values we both considered benchmarks for good governance in our nation. Unknown to me, years later, in May 2007, I would be appointed by Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu as Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Wale was always around to support me until destiny beckoned on him to serve as Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye—a role he executed with excellence until he was unjustly and prematurely removed for political reasons. I quickly spoke with the late Vice-Chancellor of IBB University, Prof. Ibrahim Kolo, to offer him a place as a Visiting Professor, allowing him to share his wealth of experience with both staff and students in the Department of Political Science. He accepted, and his contributions had a significant impact. I introduced him to my friend and brother, Alhaji Umaru Ahmed Iyaka (Taiye), who became his landlord and generously provided him with a permanent suite in his hotel, along with three square meals in his home. In fact, I recently read Wale’s appreciation message, which Alhaji shared with me a few days after his passing—a message that reflected a cultured and deeply appreciative soul.

When my tenure ended in 2015, I moved back to my base at the University of Ibadan. Wale was always with me, often staying late into the night and returning home only when the streets were deserted. At one point, he even left his Ford Escape with me before I got my own car. Wale could be selfless to a fault—he trusted and sacrificed for his friends without hesitation or complaint. One nostalgic memory that speaks to our closeness is how my two-year-old son, Yahaya Babangida Yahaya, gave unique names to people in our home. He called his step- mother Maama, his mother Mummy, and me Dada Daa. But for Wale, he added an extra syllable, calling him Dada Daa Da. Even ten years later, whenever Yahaya sees a Hyundai sedan in Abuja, he still points to it and says, “That’s Dada Daa Da’s type of car.” This is a testament to how deep our bond was—something everyone around us could attest to.

Wale and I did so much together. He introduced me to many of his friends, and I introduced him to mine, including my mentors. I recall countless times when he accompanied me to visit my mentors—former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and my boss, former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu. They all held him in high regard, admiring his humility and insightful contributions to discussions. Posterity will judge us all, and Wale will be positively remembered for what he stood for. His legacy of good works, scholarship, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to friendship and humanity will not be forgotten. He was a comrade to the core, and I know that everything he did—both in friendship and in service—was for the greater good.

I also recall my visit to General Ibrahim Babangida in Minna on Monday, March 31, 2025, for Sallah homage. When I informed him about Wale’s passing, he exclaimed in shock, “Oh my God! What happened to him?” His reaction was heartfelt, and he asked me to extend his deepest condolences to Wale’s family. As I have said, I will be travelling to Ijebu-Igbo for his burial on Friday, April 4 (today). Wale’s passing is a great shock to many who were unaware of his illness. I wish to express my profound appreciation to colleagues, associates, friends, and sympathizers, both nationwide and beyond, for the overwhelming outpouring of love and emotions following his death. His impact will be felt for generations to come. Adieu, Walynton!

• Professor Yahaya is of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE