Renowned diplomat and elder statesman, Amb. Yemi Farounbi, eulogised the late Prof. Ajagbe Toriola Oyewo (SAN), describing him as a remarkable individual who defied conventional boundaries and remained relevant till his last breath.
Amb. Yemi Farounbi spoke at the 1st Memorial Lecture in honour of late Prof. Oyewo, organised by the Elders Foundation and at the Professor T. A. Oyewo Memorial Hall, Elder’s Place, Bashorun, Ibadan on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He highlighted Prof. Oyewo’s unique ability to navigate diverse social circles, befriending people from all walks of life, regardless of age or status.
One striking aspect of Prof. Oyewo’s life, according to Amb. Farounbi, was his commitment to promoting his Ibadan dialect, despite his impressive Western education.
“Unlike many Yorubas, he proudly spoke his native language, setting an example for future generations,” Amb. Farounbi noted, warning that the Yoruba language might soon require foreign experts if current trends continue.
Amb. Farounbi emphasised the importance of intergenerational connections, urging participants to engage with younger people and stay updated on modern developments to remain youthful and relevant. If you don’t want to age fast, befriend the younger ones and stay connected to the latest trends,” he advised.
Amb. Farounbi attributed Prof. Oyewo’s longevity and mental sharpness to his refusal to retire from active life, noting that he continued to work until his passing on February 1, 2022, at the age of 91.
The elder statesman also warned against mental inactivity, citing the risk of dementia, and encouraged people to utilize their God-given talents and abilities.
The memorial lecture served as a fitting tribute to Prof. Oyewo’s inspiring life, offering valuable lessons on the importance of cultural identity, social connections, and lifelong learning.
