Comrade Kemi Olaitan, a prominent member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, on Monday, lost his elder brother, Professor Wale Are Olaitan, to the cold hands of death.
The news of the death of the late Professor Olaitan, a former Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, was broken by the NUJ chairman, Oyo State Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola.
The renowned academic was said to have died at the age of 60 after a prolonged battle with a liver-related disease.
Babalola, in a statement expressed condolences with Comrade Kemi Olaitan over the death of his elder brother, describing it as a huge loss to the family and the academic community.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has condoled with one of its leaders, Comrade Kemi Olaitan, over the demise of his elder brother, renowned academic and administrator, Professor Wale Are Olaitan.
“Professor Olaitan, a former Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, was a distinguished scholar of international repute.
“His contributions to the field of education and academic leadership are invaluable.
“The erudite professor passed away after a courageous battle with a liver-related disease.
“His death has left a vacuum in the academic community, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues, students and family,” Comrade Babalola stated in the statement.
He further stated that the NUJ, Oyo State Council, joined the Olaitan Family, the academic community and the entire nation “in mourning the loss of this exceptional individual. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.”
His life and times
The distinguished academic and advocate for social justice died, leaving a legacy of excellence in education and leadership.
Born in September 1964 in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Olaitan was a renowned scholar who dedicated his life to societal betterment.
He earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and furthered his studies in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University, Australia.
His career was marked by a deep commitment to social change, beginning with his tenure as vice president of the Students’ Union during his undergraduate years.
He later became actively involved in the political movement that heralded Nigeria’s return to democracy.
In 2010, he was appointed Vice Chancellor of OOU, a position he held with distinction.
The late university administrator was a prolific writer whose authored works included Ideas for Socio-Political Change: A Collection of My Social Media Commentaries.
