Today, we should pause—intentionally—from no matter else might beckon for our consideration. Let associates, buddies, colleagues, and effectively-wishers, from far and close to, mud off their dancing footwear and, bedecked of their best attire, make their technique to Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. There, we the members converge to have a good time the archpriest as he marks his diamond anniversary.
Three scores, as road lingo would have it, no be joke—particularly in opposition to the backdrop of the 2025 UN knowledge that locations Nigeria’s common life expectancy at 54.6 years.
Who is Today’s archpriest? He is a man with clear fingers and a pure coronary heart; one who doesn’t put his belief in idols; blessed by God with a sound thoughts in a wholesome physique: Professor Lateef Babatunde Ayeleru, a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, FNAL, and fast previous Director/Chief Executive Office of the Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos State.
I met Professor Ayeleru throughout my journalism profession, particularly within the construct-as much as the 2015 governorship election in Oyo State. As an investigative journalistwith a penchant for exclusives, I engaged political grandees throughout get together traces throughout the state’s ever-shifting political terrain. At that time, two dominant faculties of thought formed Oyo politics: the Rashidi Ladoja Bodija School and the Abiola Ajimobi Marines. Prof, because the celebrant is fondly known as, was one of the main eggheads of the Bodija School.
We bonded nearly immediately—drawn collectively by our shared Humanities background and our widespread roots in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, that fiery furnace the place many of us had been solid.
Several encounters stand out. At the peak of preparations for Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s second-time period bid, his spokesperson printed an article within the Tribune containing what many thought of outlandish claims in opposition to Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who had emerged because the sitting governor’s most formidable nemesis. Prof and I held a digital assembly to dissect the piece. Before daybreak the following day, an intellectually sturdy response had germinated from his fecund pen.
It was my skilled obligation to make sure Ladoja’s proper of reply, and Prof’s article was consequently deployed—lavishly—by the paper. The rejoinder not solely rattled Governor Ajimobi however reportedly compelled him to instruct his media group to quickly sheath their swords in opposition to Ladoja. Such was the power of Prof’s reasoned intervention. His writings elevated political discourse in Oyo State and resonated even on the nationwide stage.
Yet his contributions prolonged far beyond polemical writing. Professor Ayeleru convened like-minded lecturers in his workplace to interact Ladoja in rigorous mental classes—cross-fertilising concepts and making ready him for the gubernatorial debate organisedby Splash FM, the state’s pioneering personal radio station.
In celebrating my diamond mentor, we’re not merely marking the passage of time; we’re honouring six many years of excellence, service, and inspiration. A distinguished scholar, Prof firmly believes that data with out humility leads solely to damage. Outside the sector of mental engagement, one might scarcely guess that he has attained the summit of educational pursuit.
Students and shut associates admire his humility, quiet energy, and unwavering dedication to equity and reality. His principled stance has at all times been clear: true achievement isn’t measured solely by the amount of publications, however by the lives enlightened, enriched, and reworked alongside the best way.
At 60, the life of this Professor of French, Applied Linguistics and African Literatures reminds us that greatness is sustained not by place, however by consistency of values and depth of objective. He has mentored generations with persistence, self-discipline, and generosity. Many of his former college students at the moment are professors, professionals, leaders, and students who embody the beliefs he modelled—explaining why his affect stays potent far beyond the classroom.Professor Ayeleru stands as a ethical exemplar—demonstrating that management is greatest expressed via service, knowledge, and moral readability.
My household and I be a part of quite a few effectively-wishers to have a good time Professor Ayeleru and this outstanding milestone with gratitude and admiration. It is my earnest prayer that his pitcher won’t break at the fountain, and that the Almighty God will proceed to strengthen and ensure him in all goodness.Félicitations et joyeux anniversaire, mon chef.
Adekanmbi, one of Professor (*60*) Ayeleru’snumerous mentees, wrote in from Ibadan, Oyo State.
