A great tree has fallen in the forest of our community, and the echo of its descent is felt far and wide. Today, we gather with heavy hearts, not merely to mourn, but to celebrate a life of extraordinary service, profound intellect, and unwavering dedication—the life of His Royal Majesty, Professor Olugbemiro Akerejola, the Uboro of Ogoriland, who has answered the eternal call.
To speak of his life is to tell several stories, each worthy of its own volume, yet all masterfully woven into a single, magnificent tapestry of impact.
He was, first and foremost, a Guardian of Knowledge. As a Professor of Veterinary Medicine, he did not merely teach; he shaped minds and healed the silent companions of humanity. In the lecture hall and the laboratory, he championed the sacred bond between man and animal, advancing science with a steady hand and a curious mind. He healed herds, safeguarded public health, and nurtured a generation of veterinarians who carry his meticulous and compassionate legacy forward. His was a life dedicated to the preservation of life in its many forms.
He was a Builder of Nations. As the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), his vision transcended the confines of an office. He understood that the true wealth of a nation lies in the skills of its people. With strategic acumen and a forward-looking gaze, he steered the ITF to new heights, crafting policies and programs that equipped thousands of Nigerians with practical, life-changing skills. He built not with bricks and mortar, but with capability and confidence, laying a foundation for national development that continues to support our economic landscape.
He was the Heart of a People. When he ascended the throne as the Uboro of Ogoriland, his service took on a deeper, more ancestral dimension. He exchanged the suit of the administrator for the robes of a father, a counselor, and a custodian of culture. He ruled with wisdom born of vast experience and a genuine love for his people. He was a bridge between the timeless traditions of Ogoriland and the progressive currents of the modern world, guiding his community with a steady and dignified hand. His palace was a place of justice, wisdom, and unity.
Yet, beyond these towering titles—Professor, Director General, Royal Father—was a man of immense personal character. He was a husband, a father, a mentor, and a friend. His wisdom was gentle, his laughter warm, and his counsel sage. He carried his immense achievements with a humility that put all at ease, reminding us that true greatness is measured not only by what one accomplishes, but by the grace with which one carries it.
The passing of such a man leaves a void that seems impossible to fill. The academic world has lost a scholar, the nation has lost a visionary builderOgoriland has lost its beloved father and guide.
But as we feel the weight of this loss, we must also look at the indelible mark he has left behind.
We see it in the skilled artisan whose trade was honed by an ITF program, the healthy livestock herds his students tended, and the peaceful and progressive community of Ogoriland.
His life was complete, a symphony of service in multiple movements. We are all beneficiaries of its melody.
Rest well, our Professor. Rest well, our Director General. Rest well, our Royal Father.
Your labour was monumental, your legacy is eternal, and your memory will bless future generations.
May your noble soul find perfect peace in the embrace of the Almighty. Tigure