The Executive Director, Prof. Veronica Obatolu and other members of staff of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, joined scholars and government officials to bid farewell to one of their staff, colleague, friend and family member, late Prof. Olukemi Ayoola.
Late Prof. Olukemi Titilola Ayoola died on Thursday 11th March 2021 at the age of 54 years.
She was buried in Ibadan on Thursday, 18th March 2021.
The Procession of Honour, which took place at Prof. Adebisi Adebowale Training Hall, IAR&T, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, was graced by different personalities from all walks of life.
In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, Prof. Obatolu, IAR&T Executive Director disclosed that the entire staff members of the institute received with “shock and sadness the news of the death of Prof. Ayoola, a Research Professor in the institute.”
She said “In the early hours of Thursday, 11th March 2021, Prof. Olukemi Ayoola silently closed the door of life and departed to the other side of the great divide.
“She fought the battle of illness and pains, after the heavenly home call of her husband, honourable Kehinde Ayoola on 14th May, 2020 with optimism.”
Obatolu described late Ayoola as “a happy, Cheerful and peace-loving individual who was always at peace with herself.”
“Kemi was extremely loyal to whoever and/or whatever she believed in. Many found her to be a splendid person with a large heart. By Kemi’s death, all the people who knew her will miss a highly lively individual with a rare friendliness and charm of personality.”
According to the executive director, the deceased liked to make impact and mentor other people who were just coming up.
She added that Prof. Ayoola had contributed immensely to the development of agricultural research in the institute, the university (Obafemi Awolowo University) and the nation at large.
“She has really contributed to IAR&T, the university environment and the nations at large. She had been able to make positive impact on a lot of farmers by developing them and helping them to have high yield of productivity in their agricultural practices.
“We will really miss her. There is no word that can qualify the extent at which we will miss her,” Obatolu expressed.
During the procession of honour, Hon. Wasilu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, Oyo state, described the deceased as “an epitome of humility.”
He said “I want to say that we are all going to meet Prof. Kemi Titilola Ayoola, someday.
“Prof Kemi was an epitome of humility.
“For that, we will keep remembering her.
The deputy Director, IAR&T, Dr. J.O Saka, lamented that late Olukemi Ayoola dropped the pen when she had initiated the reinvigoration of cowpea breeding programme as the Head, Grain Legume Improvement Programme of the Institute.
He added that Ayoola “left a landmark legacy for colleagues to build on.
“You will always be remembered for these and many contributions made in your personal and official capacities.”
The funeral service took place at New Covenant Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan and Interment followed thereafter.
