I celebrate with my elder brother, my friend, my benefactor OBS aka Layiwola Babatunde Shittu as he turns 70 and retires from the University of ibadan with his dignity honour and integrity unblemished both privately and publicly. OBS is certainly a rare specimen worthy of study and emulation. He has prepared very well for his retirement. He may not dropped the scarpel immediately but whatever he decides to do after UCH, he flourishes ad infinitum. My path crossed with his about 25 years ago at a social gathering specifically at the palatial home of a common friend, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi. He was not seeking attention or recognition but was fondly called Ore Agba i.e. friend of the elderly. It was much later that I understood the meaning! I later got closer to him in the campus political engineering and socialisation. I found OBS very genial, frank and brutally honest in his conviction. He has no time for double tongue and ambivalence and you do not find him where shenanigans and insincerity flourish. Though a Urologist OBS to me has become Consultant in virtually every speciality in UCH. His numerous friends readily turned to him and he will personally attend to you or look for colleagues that will attend to you promptly and elegantly. He has done that to me and my family several times. During the COVID-19 era his intervention saved the lives of a number of friends; from virology laboratory to A & E and even homes OBS is always there for friends and associates.
I recall how he led me to a ranking colleague of his when I was in pain and urgently needed attention. Beyond Medicine OBS is has deft business acumen To him just a single line of salary income is not sufficient. Finally OBS is a very generous giver; i publicly owned up to his benefaction at critical times without prompting. He and wife Sister Moji have become part of my family life genuinely beyond what this Tribute can document here. May Allah continue to bless his endeavours. Happy 70th birthday happy retirement OBS of life. Ire o.
Dr. Adeniran is retired Staff Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan
