By Akeem Abas
Ibadan – Some eminent Nigerians in medical practice on Tuesday paid tributes to the late emeritus professor of Medicine, Oladipo Akinkugbe, describing him as an international scholar of repute who would be missed across the globe.
They spoke during their condolence visit to the Akinkugbes at their Ibadan residence.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the late Akinkugbe died on Monday at 86 years.
Prof. Temitope Alonge, the Deputy Chairman, Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, said words were not enough to describe the loss of Akinkugbe whom he said was an international scholar of repute.
“Quite frankly, I think words actually are not enough to describe the loss. Truth must be said that this colossus in the field of medicine is an enigma. He has left his footprints.
” Very immaculate in his style, walks very gracefully, endowed with a lot of wisdom and he taught us what is called the four basic principles of medical practice.
“The whole world will miss him because he was an international scholar of repute and a proud son of Ondo town, and also of Nigeria,” he said.
Alonge, a former Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, said the late Akinkugbe did the country proud and left footprints in Oxford and many other institutions where he was privileged to have worked.
” Until his death, he was still there to be a good counsellor. So, for me, it is a big loss and I believe that God has allowed him this long so that he can impact humanity.
“We pray that we will abide by these principles that he has taught us. And beyond that, we will also try and imbibe those traits that we find in him that are appealing,” he said.
Prof. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, described the late Akinkugbe as a mentor and teacher of teachers.
He said that the late Akinkugbe, who was a Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Head of the Ibadan Medical School from 1970 to 1974, contributed significantly to the institution.
” During that time, he contributed significantly to the Ibadan Medical School, not only in his academic exploits, but also in his administrative contributions.
” It is in recognition of this that the Clinical Science Department was named after him in 2015,”he said.
Olapade-Olaopa said that there were already plans to honour the late Akinkugbe in the usual tradition before the news of his death came.
” But he has already immortalised his name in the sands of time,” Olapade-Olaopa said.
Also speaking, Prof. Fatai Adeniyi, the President, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association, said the association would miss Akinkugbe as their pioneer president.
“He means a lot to so many people, but to us as alumni, he was a very very formidable support for the association. His footprints are there anyway and that can not be washed away.
“While we miss him, we also thank God for the great life that he lived. We wish that his soul rest eternally,” he said.
NAN reports that the wife of the deceased, Prof. Folasade Akinkugbe, and children, Kayode and Olumide, were at the residence.
As part of efforts to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, a guideline was posted within and outside the premises.
The inscription reads: “Thank you very much for your condolences.
” Because of COVID-19 protocols, the family will not be able to receive guests. Guests, kindly sign the condolence register. Thank you again.”
Also, hand sanitisers were also strategically placed at the entrance of the main building for the use of visitors while two condolence registers were opened for guests.
Among the early callers at the residence were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Justice Tayo Osoba, Prof. Kayode Oyediran, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and Oba Victor Kiladejo, the representative of Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom.
(NAN)
