Oluwole Emmanuel Adefila Adegboro, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political, academic, and royal circles, has passed away at the age of 73. Newspaper subscription bundles

The statesman, recognised for his lifelong dedication to public service, student activism, and progressive governance, passed away on Wednesday, 27 July 2022, in Akure, Ondo State. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, academics, and community stakeholders nationwide.

A member of the Osupa/Odundun Royal Family of Akure, Prince Adegboro’s influence extended well beyond his royal heritage. He was a pioneer in student leadership, an innovator in African student movements, a seasoned member of Nigeria’s military education corps, a reformist commissioner in Ondo State, and a prolific writer and publisher whose works promoted democracy, education, and cultural pride. Newspaper subscription bundles

Adegboro’s leadership journey started during his university years, culminating in his election as National President of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) in 1971. During the peak of Africa’s student liberation movements, he broke new ground by becoming the first Continental President of the All-Africa Students Union based in Accra, Ghana. His activism helped elevate Nigerian student leadership onto the global stage.

Commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1974, Adegboro served with distinction in the Education Corps, eventually reaching the rank of Captain. After retiring from military service, he moved into tertiary education administration, holding senior positions at The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where he served as Deputy Registrar and a Governing Council member.Newspaper subscription bundles

Prince Adegboro’s political career reflected Nigeria’s shifting democratic landscape. From the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the Second Republic to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in recent years, he remained an influential strategist and policy driver. His legislative acumen was cemented when he represented Akure Federal Constituency at the 1988–89 National Constituent Assembly.

He held significant appointments in Ondo State, including Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; and Special Adviser on Education and Special Duties. One of his most notable contributions was his role in relocating Adekunle Ajasin University to its permanent site in Akungba Akoko, an achievement widely praised across party lines. Adegboro was also a respected voice in Nigeria’s intellectual and media circles. As founder of Odua Voice Newspaper and Black Pride Magazine, he created platforms for progressive discussions. His authorship of several influential texts, most notably Michael Adekunle Ajasin: The Story of a Legend, further established his role as a chronicler of Nigeria’s political development. Newspaper subscription bundles.

His widely read column “Platform” became a reference point for citizens seeking nuanced commentary on national issues. Meanwhile, the governor of Ondo State, senior political figures, former student leaders, and traditional institutions have paid glowing tributes to the late statesman.

In a statement, a former colleague described him as “a disciplined public servant and unshakable advocate of education and good governance.” Another tribute noted that “his name will remain etched in the history of Ondo State for his service to the people and his love for truth.”

Prince Adegboro was married to Margaret Adefila Adegboro for 48 years. He is survived by children and grandchildren, who described him as “a father who lived by the values he taught, honesty, dignity, and relentless pursuit of justice.” His funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days.

With a career that encompassed student leadership, military service, university governance, politics, and publishing, Prince Oluwole Adegboro embodied the ideals of principled public life. His passing marks the end of an era for Akure and Ondo State, but his ideas, writings, and legacy continue to influence discourse in Nigeria’s democratic and educational spheres. Newspaper subscription bundles. (The Guardian)