The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba, Senator (Dr.) Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has said that the University of Ibadan is lucky to have Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, FAS, mni, as its Vice-Chancellor.
His Imperial Majesty made this statement during a courtesy visit to his palace at Alarere, Iwo Road, Ibadan, on Friday, 10 June 2022, by the management of the University.
The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland said he was amazed at the intellectual capacity of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebowale, as he recounted His Majesty’s doggedness towards achieving his big dream on education right from his teenage years.
His Majesty could not hold his amazement when he said, “You really amazed me! You were talking about my personal experience. I don’t know where he got the facts from. You must have done thorough research to speak about facts that were never made public. I am happy to be with you.” He then told the entourage, “You are lucky to have him as your Vice-Chancellor”.
His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Mohood Balogun, also thanked the University of Ibadan for celebrating with him on his installation as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In his own remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, FAS, mni, said the visit was to congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator (Dr.) Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, on his successful ascension to the throne of his forefathers, whose official coronation and installation would be exactly three months on Saturday, 11 June, 2022.
He said the visit was also to thank His Imperial Majesty (the landlord) and the good people of Ibadanland for their continued support of the University of Ibadan, which has been a tenant in Ibadanland for 74 years now, occupying the 2,550 hectares of land which the Ibadan people generously gave to UI in 1948 on lease for 999 years.
He noted that UI has grown and prospered, beginning with only 104 students, admitting 4,255 applicants in 2021, and now having over 250,000 alumni worldwide. He acknowledged the peaceful and conducive atmosphere created for the sustenance of the institution. “Our capacity, resources, reach, and influence have continued to wax stronger and stronger. And we know one of the reasons for this. When a tenant prospers, he or she should know that it is because the landlord has created a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for him or her,” he stated.
He appreciated the role the current and previous Olubadans have been playing in the growth. “Besides our fathers, the Olubadan, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has remained a strong pillar of support to our University over the years. Ibadan gbe onile; Ibadan tun gbe alejo gidi gidi”.
Prof. Adebowale appreciated the keen interest His Imperial Majesty had for education since his teenage years, which made him create an avenue to study hard despite the obstacles before him. He also thanked God for crowning His Imperial Majesty‘s efforts with success, thus preparing him for the exalted position he was destined to occupy.
Among the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Aderonke M. Baiyeroju; Bursar, Mr. Adewuyi Popoola; Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. I. A. Abiona; Director of Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. T. Ewemoje; Chief Security Officer, Mr. V. G. Fadeyibi; Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs. Morenike F. Afolabi and the Public Relations Officer, Directorate of Public Communication, Mrs. Adejoke O. Akinpelu.
