Hearty congratulations and happy birthday to my handsome brother and adorable friend, Professor Ayodeji Oluleye, as he moves up to the seventh floor and retires from the University of Ibadan.
My path crossed that of his late elder brother, Dr Wole Oluleye, long before I came to know Ayo. Wole was my senior at the School of Animal Health and Husbandry, Moore Plantation, where he left an impressive academic record. He was among the pioneering students of the school to gain admission to Tuskegee University, Alabama, later he obtained a PhD in Poultry Science from Auburn University. He later returned to Nigeria and came to the University of Ibadan for his NYSC in 1983, where we reconnected in our Poultry Diseases Laboratory.
Tall, handsome, bespectacled, urbane and aristocratic in bearing, Wole was a pride to behold. You needed no introduction to appreciate the military pedigree of his father whenever you encountered him. There was something unmistakably dignified about him.
I was to meet Ayo, his younger brother, many years later at a memorable social function in the Oremeji area of Ibadan. We soon became close on campus. In many ways, Ayo was a replica of Wole, though perhaps even more genial, easy-going and cool-headed. Our families were also growing together around the same time. At least two of our children were classmates, and, interestingly, they eventually ended up in the same profession. Ayo fondly calls me “Gani Etoo,” while I call him “AYNought!” These little names, born out of friendship and familiarity, have remained part of the laughter and affection that have defined our relationship over the years.
His service to the University of Ibadan, particularly as Director of MIS and later as Dean of Technology, was highly remarkable. He brought to these responsibilities a combination of competence, calmness and commitment that earned him the respect of colleagues and associates.
At some point, I had imagined that Professor Oluleye would eventually find his way into the University Governing Council. Ayo, however, had other plans. He preferred a direct entry into the Vice-Chancellor race. The rest, as they say, is now history.
One thing I have always admired about Ayo is his character. He is not a man who goes about looking for trouble or deliberately harming others, but he can be very assertive when the occasion demands it. At the same time, he knows when to keep his distance from issues that could drag him into disrepute or unnecessary controversy. In this regard, he has remained, to me, a man of honour, self-esteem and integrity.
Our friendship has also gone beyond the university campus. I have accompanied him to Efon-Alaaye at least twice, and he has reciprocated the gesture of friendship in many ways. He was present at my children’s weddings, and he remains a constant and regular guest at our residence during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. These are the little things that make friendship meaningful: not grand declarations, but the steady presence of a friend through the seasons of life.
As Ayo celebrates his 70th birthday and formally retires from the University of Ibadan, I celebrate not only the professor and administrator but also the brother, friend, family man and gentleman I have known over the years.
I wish you, my dear friend, a very happy 70th birthday and a fulfilling retirement. You have served well, and now you deserve to enjoy the quieter side of life. You are already learning the ropes, and, as we like to joke, money will not be your problem anyway!
Welcome on board, my friend.
Ire o!
Dr. Gani Adeniran is retired staff at the Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan
