ENCOMIUMS AS LATE FORMER LASU VC ENITAN BABABUNMI IS LAID TO REST

IBADAN, Oyo, Nigeria – It was outpouring of encomiums, tributes, songs of praise, admonition and solemn atmosphere as the third substantive Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Enitan Abisogun BABABUNMI was committed to mother earth in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, 7th July, 2017.

Just before the Church Service at the Anglican Church of Messiah, Bodija, Ibadan, there was a lying-in-state programme for the Late Professor BABABUNMI at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. The wife, children, family, associates, Church members, LASU Community and well-wishers came out in large number to pay him the last respect. The Vice Chancellor Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun led the LASU roll of honour.

Distinguished Professor Peter Okebukola, one of his mentees and associate paid him a tribute. He described Bababunmi as a loving father, a distinguished scholar, an accomplished administrator, a renowned scientist and an individual with a willy personality.

“We are here gathered this morning to pay respect to a great husband, loving father, exemplary teacher, distinguished scholar, mentor, a renowned scientist and outstanding University Administrator. ….He served creditably as Vice Chancellor of LASU between 1993 and 1996, where I served under him as Deputy Vice Chancellor. He is a power house of talent searching, power house of resource mobilisation, power house of exemplary mentorship and power house of scholarship. A great man, oga was known for his love for Art, Music, good food and wine. He was known for his knowledge, brilliance and growth.” , he said.

Thereafter, the final journey moved to the Anglican Church of Messiah, New Bodija, Ibadan. The Church was filled to the brim leaving guests to seat outside, within the church premises to pay the final respect. The Officiating Minister, reminded all present to live a life of making impact on others. He referred to Late Prof. Bababunmi as a perfect gentleman who lived a life dedicated to God and Humanity. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead.

The journey to his final resting place started on Thursday, 6th July, 2017 at the Pentorise Events Centre, Bodija, Ibadan where a Wake-Keep and Service of Songs was held for him. In his tribute at the well-attended programme, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Fagbohun spoke of the Late Former Vice Chancellor in glowing term. “He was an academic colossus. He left an impeccable record for all.

His human relation was second to none. Enitan Bababunmi added value to lives. His influence on me changed my journey into Environmental Law. He left an indelible impact on LASU and that is why the whole LASU Community is represented here. His impact changed the trajectory of my life. LASU salutes you. LASU appreciates you. We will continue to remember you. We will never forget you. Enitan Bababunmi, Adieu. Orun re o”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olumuyiwa Noah, Registrar, Mr. Lewis Akinwunmi, Bursar, Mr. Tayo Hassan and the University Librarian, Dr. Adebambo Oduwole were the Principal Officers in attendance.

Also present were Deans of Faculties, other Senior and Junior Members of Staff as well as Students of the University, led by LASUSU President, Mr. Samuel Kappo were also in attendance.