I join millions of doctors around the world in celebrating the indomitable Jagun Aso of Ijebuland, Professor Jide Ajayi, as he turns 90 today. Few things are more fulfilling than dedicating one’s life to training generations of surgical specialists and living long enough to see them surpass you. That is Professor Ajayi’s enduring legacy.
His credentials in medicine are so formidable that I am hardly qualified to catalogue them. More accomplished mentees will do that. I first encountered him about 40 years ago, at a time when I could barely look him in the eye, much less attempt to engage him in conversation.
The hospital of the late Professor Vincent Aimakhu was a frequent meeting point for Professor Ajayi and other distinguished colleagues. I was then a young graduate of Veterinary Medicine, running errands for Professor Aimakhu, an Old Chief of the Sigma Club — a club where I later served as Deputy in the 1985/86 season. Professors Ajayi and Aimakhu shared a deep friendship. Listening to their animated conversations was always a delight. They worked hard, but they also knew how to enjoy life.
When Professor Aimakhu passed on, I travelled to Ekpoma with Professor Ajayi and others, and we spent the night at the residence of the late Professor Sylvester Abumere. I doubt Professor Ajayi paid much attention to me then. Yet I was struck by his immense social presence and the ease of his camaraderie, even years after his retirement as Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH).
Unknown to me, he had been observing me too — despite my being outside his medical constituency. When he turned 80, I joined others in Ijebu-Ode to celebrate him.
Then came a moment I will never forget. At an event at the Chapel of the Resurrection about a decade ago, Professor Ajayi handed me his programme booklet and asked me to write down my name, phone number and bank details. The following Monday, while I was still in active service and he long retired, he transferred a remarkably generous sum into my account. Surprised, I reported the gesture to Professor Layi Shittu, who smiled and said, “That is Professor Jide Ajayi for you.”
That single, unsolicited act of kindness deepened my respect and affection for him. Since then, I have remained close — sending him messages, paying my respects at public events, most recently at the wedding of Professor Abiodun Adeoye’s daughter.
At 90, Professor Jide Ajayi stands as a testament to discipline, generosity and enduring relevance. When I visited him on a February 20 like this not long ago, he ushered me into his private sitting room. I sat beside him on his bed as we chatted warmly, a simple but profound reminder that greatness can also be gracious.
Happy birthday, sir. Ire o.
Dr. Adeniran is a retired staff member, Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan
