Today, June 26th, marks the 80th birthday of my dependable friend, my adorable brother, my quintessential benefactor, the legendary Professor Afolabi Soyode. Our paths first crossed in 1987, after my graduation from the University of Ibadan, specifically in an Alumni Association meeting.
This great Economist and humanist was the National Treasurer, while Dr Olu Akinkoye ( Sir Koye) was the National Secretary. However, Dr Akinkoye was later replaced by Professor Abiodun Falusi, in an Acting capacity, when he joined the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority as Head of the Parastatal. These great men were the solid Team on UIAA then, with Surveyor Adekunle Kukoyi as the National President.
With the likes of Chief Akinbayo Adenubi, then of Chartered Institute of Bankers, and Chief Remi Omotosho of Lever Brothers plc, there was no dull moment.
UI Alunmi Association was firmly rooted in the best of tradition in the hands of these great men. Professor Soyode was very meticulous, highly disciplined and friendly with the young Alumni whose major reason for joining the Association was partly to be connected with financial institutions for jobs.
The trio of Professor Soyode, Chief Adenubi and Chief Omotosho really assisted a lot of people in various ways then. When I eventually joined the University as a Lecturer in 1989, I established a close relationship with Professor Soyode through Professor Tunde Adeniran, my mentor for life.
At various times, Professor Soyode was a strong member of the University Council; he also had stints as the Head of Department of Economics and Dean of Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan. He was later appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, the position he held with laudable honours and sterling distinctions.
Professor Soyode is amiable and admirably fashionable. Shortly before he turned 70, ten years ago, he had some health challenges that I almost gave up on him.
When I attended his 70th birthday ceremony in Abeokuta, I embraced him joyfully and shook him lovingly. He appreciated my joy in seeing him in strong body and sound health after the health challenges, but he gently warmed me to shake him gently! Not quite long after, he became the President of Abeokuta Club, the preeminent club in Egbaland.
Again, I was at his inauguration and investiture. According to him, the Presidency of Abeokuta Club is the zenith of it all, and after that, he can take a full rest at 80.
God has been merciful to this benevolent Octogenarian, just as he himself has been merciful to a lot of people, including my humble self. He was at the wedding ceremonies of all my children and gave me handsome gifts.
At 80, you are still very strong and handsome, with the Egba tribal marks almost faded! In fact, there is every justification to pray fervently that you will be 90 years and more. Igba odun, odun kan Sir. Ire o.
Gani Adeniran,
Department of Veterinary Pathology,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan
