Olaitan, a distinguished member of the Editorial Board for more than three decades, died on Monday, March 24, after a prolonged illness.

He had only recently revived his respected column, Discourse, published every Tuesday in the Nigerian Tribune.

Even as he confronted severe health challenges, Professor Olaitan still wrote his column.

A Professor of Political Science, Olaitan had the distinction of being the first alumnus of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, to serve as its vice chancellor.

He was born in September 1964 in Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government of Ogun State.

Reacting to the news of his passing, the university described him as a distinguished scholar, a passionate educator and a relentless advocate for social justice.

It added: ?His academic journey began at Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, after which he worked briefly as a secondary school teacher before gaining admission to the Political Science Department of Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago-Iwoye, as part of its pioneering class in 1982.

?He graduated in 1986 as the Overall Best Student, delivering the university?s first-ever valedictory speech. Recognising his brilliance and exemplary conduct, the university immediately appointed him as a Graduate Assistant and sponsored his postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a doctorate degree in Political Science.

?A renowned expert in Political Theory and State-Society Relations, Olaitan authored and co-authored over 40 books and academic papers published in local and international journals.

?His contributions to academia and governance were profound, serving in various capacities at the university, including Head of the Political Science Department, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and ultimately, as the first alumnus to become Vice-Chancellor.

?Beyond academia, Professor Olaitan was a prolific public intellectual. He maintained a widely respected weekly column, ?Discourse,? in the Nigerian Tribune, where he passionately engaged with national and global issues.

?He syndicated the same column in NewsScroll, an online newspaper on which board he served as Editorial Advisor. Throughout his career, he stood firmly with the marginalised, using his voice to champion the cause of ordinary Nigerians, the poor, and the oppressed.

?His legacy of scholarship, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire generations to come. He?ll be sorely missed.?

Professor Olaitan is survived by his wife, Kemi, and two cherished children, Alanu and Judge.(TRIBUNE)

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