Wale Omole, ex-Vice-Chancellor of OAU, passes away at 84

The former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Wale Omole, has died.

Mr Omole, a professor, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84.

His death was shared in a statement on Wednesday by the President of Ijesa Society, Lateef Bakare. Mr Omole was a respected member of the society.

“With gratitude to God for an impactful life and on behalf of the Omole family and Biladu Ruling House of Ijesaland, I regret to announce the passage to eternity of our father, brother, friend and compatriot, Professor Adebowale Omole, MON,” Mr Bakare wrote.

“Professor ‘Wale Omole died peacefully at home early this morning, November 11, 2026. He celebrated his 84th birthday on August 13, 2026. He was a committed Ijesa man, a steadfast member of our Society until the recent past. Funeral arrangements will be announced when the family completes this.

“On behalf of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, I wish to commiserate with all of us on the demise of one of Ijesaland’s greatest human capital. I encourage all members to please remember the family in prayers at this critical time. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Mr Bakare added.

The late professor was a Nigerian animal scientist, university administrator, editorial board chairman and advocate for Yoruba cultural renewal. He was the first graduate of the University of Ife, now OAU, to become its vice-chancellor, serving from 1991 to 1999. His tenure ended following student protests that blamed him for a cult attack that killed five students.

Mr Omole attended Ilesa Grammar School from 1956 to 1962. After finishing secondary school, he worked at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Ibadan.

At OAU, Mr Omole rose from assistant lecturer to Professor of Animal Science in 1980. In 1983, he became the first alumnus to serve as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, a role he held until 1985.

In his January 1983 inaugural lecture, he discussed how waste materials could be recycled into the food chain and turned into useful resources.

Mr Omole also chaired the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper. He set up a foundation focused on education, community development and Yoruba ethics.

In August 2024, he launched the Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture in Lagos. Its mission is based on the Yoruba ideal of Omọlúàbí, which emphasizes good character and ethical behavior in all areas of life.

At the foundation's launch, he shared plans for scholarships, teacher training, educational infrastructure, community development and preserving Yoruba cultural heritage.