The late legal luminary, Professor Ajagbe Toriola Oyewo SAN, literally came back to life at the first memorial lecture held in his honour, last Wednesday, with renowned diplomat, Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi, offering a recipe for ensuring an healthy long life.
It was indeed, an inspiring day of honour for the late Professor Oyewo who lived till age 91 before his transition to immortality on 1 February, 2022.
The memorial lecture in honour of the late Professor Oyewo, put together by the Elders Foundation, was held at the Professor T. A. Oyewo Memorial Hall, Elder’s Place, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Elder statesman Farounbi, who was the Guest Lecturer at the memorial lecturer, lived up to his billing as he regaled the people present with tales of how the late legal practitioner was able to live well into a very good ripe old age.
Speaking extempore, the seasoned administrator held his audience captive with laughter, as he laced his lecture with rib-cracking jokes and anecdotes.
The veteran broadcaster eulogised the late Professor Oyewo, describing him as a remarkable individual who defied conventional boundaries and remained relevant till his last breath.
Dr Farounbi highlighted the unique ability of the late Professor Oyewo to navigate diverse social circles, befriending people from all walks of life, regardless of age, status or religious inclination.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines particularly singles out one striking aspect of Professor Oyewo’s life. He noted that the late legal luminary was, till he died, irrevocably committed to promoting his Ibadan dialect, despite his impressive Western education.
“Unlike many Yoruba, he proudly spoke his native language, setting an example for future generations,” Farounbi noted, warning that Yoruba Language might soon require foreign experts before one can be able to speak and understand it, if current trends continue.
He also attributed Professor Oyewo’s longevity and mental sharpness to his refusal to retire from active life, noting that the late legal practitioner continued to work until his passing on February 1, 2022, at the age of 91.
Ambassador Farounbi was unequivocal in his conviction that the surest way to enjoy longevity of life and in good health is for the elderly to change their lifestyle by avoiding sedentary and isolated living. He emphasised the importance of intergenerational connections as he urged those present at the memorial lecture to engage with younger people and stay up-to-date on modern developments in order to remain youthful and relevant, and also to stay healthy.
“If you don’t want to age fast, befriend the younger ones and stay connected to the latest trends. Forget the old idea of associating with just your elderly colleagues. Be deliberate to court the friendship of the young ones. They are the ones that are current with happenings around us.
“We have to continue to be relevant till we leave this world. It will be sad to say we don’t know or understand what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is, all because we feel we are too old to learn AI.
“I have many young people who I do refer to as rascals. I am always proud to be their mentor, as their Rascal-in-Chief. I learn a lot from them and they teach me so many things. Associating with young people is good for us and is beneficial to our health,” he advised.
The elder statesman also warned against mental inactivity, citing the risk of dementia. To achieve an healthy long life, he encouraged the people, especially the elderly to utilise their God-given talents and abilities by always getting involved in mental exercises.
Without any iota of doubt, the memorial lecture, put together by the Elders Foundation was a fitting tribute to Professor Oyewo’s inspiring life, offering valuable lessons on the importance of cultural identity, social connections, and lifelong learning.
Among the eminent personalities present at the event was Chief Tajudeen Aremu, a former Head of Service (HoS) in Oyo State, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
The executive members of the Elder’s Place were also present, including Major Ariyibi (rtd); Mogaji Victor Adebimpe, Chairman, Memorial Lecture Planning Committee; Dr David Adewole, Director; Princess (Amb) Abimbola Williams, JP, Co-Director; Akogun Muyiwa Oyediji, Chairman, BoT; and Oba Ade Olayinka, member, BoT, among others.
