By Tadeniowo Collins
The final rites for late Nigerian Theatre icon and academician, Professor Dapo Adelugba began yesterday, Wednesday, December 10, 2014 with the University of Ibadan Faculty of Arts’ Night of Tribute at the famous faculty’s Quadrangle in UI, Oyo State.
The well-curated and sombre event for the late Professor Dapo, who passed away on November 23, 2014 at 75, was witnessed by his daughter, Teniayo, wife and other family members. The event also had his former colleagues, PhD students and family members paying tribute to the man they all submitted was extraordinary in his love of humanity and who was a greatly committed teacher and exemplary mentor to thousands of students.
Among the speakers in the session chaired by the Dean of Arts, Prof Remi Raji, were the Director of Institute of African Studies, Prof. Dele Layiwola and Head of Department of Theatre Arts, Dr Tunde Awosanmi. Others were Prof. Dan Izevbaye, Prof. Niyi Osundare, Prof Akanji Nasiru (one of his earlier PhD ‘supervises’), his ex-student and colleague in the Theatre Arts department, Prof. Matthew Umukoro; a long time-family friend, Mrs Okpanku, his younger brother and look-alike, Siji, and sister, Folusade Kufo.
Other past students of Adelugba in the audience include Dr Salihu Bappa from Ahmadu Bello University; Prof. Sunnie Ododo from University of Maiduguri; Olalekan Ajia from UNICEF, Abuja; Dr Chukwuma Okoye of UI Theatre Arts; Tunji Sotiminrin from University of Lagos; Mr Tunde Obalana, President of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP and over a hundred students drawn from across departments in the faculty, as well as a good number of members of the university community.
Anchored by Dr. Demola Lewis (son of the actor — the popular Oloja of Oja, Dejumo Lewis), there were musical interludes and dances by students of the Theatre Arts dept.
The 3-day celebration of life continues today, Thursday, December 11, 2014 with a Service of Songs at the Department of Theatre Arts premises and an Artistes’ Nite later in the evening at the Arts Theatre of the University of Ibadan.
The procession concludes tomorrow, Friday, December 12, 2014 with a Lying-in-State session and Commendation Service at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan while interment follows immediately after.
