Professor Williams, or Prof as I came to know him, had this rare gift of making everyone he spoke with feel special and an equal, not by patronizing them, but through the intellectual conversations and 'sparring' he was so often fond of, as he gave me the nickname, 'Mr I Beg to Differ'.
I was opportuned to meet him when I was assigned as the Architect for his African Cancer Center in the firm I worked with (Design Group) at the time. The passion with which he pursued the project was evident and it was easy to see this was a clear case of wanting to give back to society, including the tireless manner in which he pursued the project (and everyone involved) such as his international calls at ANY time of the day or night.

I am glad I stumbled on this tribute, and I deeply hope his dream someday comes to fruition. The world has lost a gem.

Rest on Prof. 
  - Olaotan Oladitan

My(Dupe)first meeting with Uncle Williams (as my husband and I refer to him) was memorable. I was greatly impressed with his knack for history and detailed documentation of events. We sat for hours listening to his stories of various events and family history. It was a privilege getting to know Uncle. He was a loving and kind man, though stubborn, and quite tough on anyone who refuses to live up to his or her potential. Uncle had a soft spot for my husband, Sorin because he loved him. Sorin learned a lot from Uncle, including how to tie a bow tie.

Many years back, after successfully using one of our (Alberto Culver)company's product for one of his patients, uncle was interested in helping our company develop an over the counter drugs to treat an illness. Our company president, and VP of Research and Development were extremely impressed when presented with Uncle's 12-paged resume. Unfortunately, our company did not have the infrastructure to make the drug.

We remember vividly Uncle's 80th birthday celebration in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Many of his former students were present and spoke very highly of his contribution to their lives and careers. Uncle's nickname for me (Dupe) is "my favorite wife"! He said I take good care of my husband Sorin. He was instrumental in helping me get a new passport when our passport office in New York mistakenly issued two passport numbers against my name and biometrics, which became a huge problem. We were in limbo for 9 months, and our contacts were unsuccessful in resolving this problem. Uncle did it with a simple phone call to her Excellency Ambassador Okwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Rep to UN. Uncle always found a way to solve problems.

Uncle is very supportive of family. He was at Seeke and Kole Malomo's wedding and child dedication in Maryland, as well as Stephane and Anissa Adegoroye's wedding (Dupe's nephew) in Roubaix, France. He had a great time celebrating with family. We speak with Uncle weekly whenever he stays in the US. The last time we saw him was his visit to our house in Lekki for supper on January 2017. It was a wonderful time of fun, good food, champagne, French pastries and cakes made by my sister Nike. Uncle enjoyed speaking French with her. Little did we know that this would be our last meeting.

Uncle lived a full life of giving and hard work. His contribution to the world, especially in the medical field will be remembered. We pray that the African Cancer Center project that he championed with be completed soon in his honor. Farewell beloved uncle, rest in peace till we meet again on resurrection day.

Sorin & Dupe Hughes

"My Family and I feel sad at the passing on to glory of a beloved family friend. The news came to us as a rude shock and most unexpected. 

"Prof" as we all fondly called Akinwole had an unassailable commitment to his great vision for better cancer detection and treatment facilities in sub-Saharan Africa. The "Africa Cancer Centre” project was Akinwole Williams’ brainchild and he laboured tirelessly with eminent men and women whom he had attracted to the board of this NGO. It is very sad indeed that although he was at the cusp of seeing this dream transform into reality, he did not see it come to fruition!

Prof. was a fine man; a Gentleman, the son of a Gentleman and a true medical professional who had an overflowing milk of human kindness. He was very Compassionate and always wanted the best for Africans and the Black race. He insisted that he would contribute his own quota to eradicate CANCER in Africa as other organisations are helping their own in the developed world.
Professor was an all-rounder. He was a gifted teacher and an excellent world-class academic. Most of his Students that we came across testified to his intellect and effective, (even if idiosyncratic) teaching style! He left a good legacy at both The Universities of Ibadan and Calabar as an outstanding Professor of Medicine. 

My family and I would miss Prof. dearly. He was there for us by way of advice and encouragement. He was inspirational and generous with guidance. He naturally enjoyed doing good to people!! Professor AKINWOLE OLUFEMI WILLIAMS was not an ordinary man: he was a special breed from an Illustrious family. 
 
All of us who are mourning his unexpected departure will remember him all the time: in the morning, at noon and with the going down of the sun!!!

We pray that, “may the peace and mercy of God almighty be and remain with him in his very deep sleep in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our lord and saviour. Amen!!!"

Your death came as a shock but I know you have gone to a better place.
Your great works, fight and strive for humanity is a legacy that will not leave the hearts in a hurry.
Rest-in-Peace Prof. as you will forever be fondly remembered.

Professor Akinwole Olufemi Williams was devoted to Medicine throughout his life. He was a man of integrity and righteousness. His character is worthy of emulation. He solved any problem brought to him without any hesitation. He was a Leader in the field of Medicine as a whole. His sudden death is still a shocker!!!
Prof Rest in Perfect Peace.

We lost an icon in Medicine,. Professor Femi Williams was an amiable gentleman, a great teacher and an erudite professor of morbid anatomy at the university of Ibadan. He was a teacher of teachers. We thank God for his exemplary life in the moulding of our lives as his students. His didactic lectures helped to soften the harsh and bombastic terminologies of the subject, and this earned him the nickname "Willie Sarcoma"..
It was always a delight to watch him especially at a postmortem session,or clinicopathologic meeting after the Clinicians have "moved stuff" on their clinical diagnosis. He would get up, adorned in his signature bowtie, then he gave a smile, and proceeded to deliver the verdict after summing up the gross and histological findings.we all listened with rapt attention, because it was like the " supreme court judgement"
"Willie Sarcoma" my great teacher, goodnight, and may the Lord grant you a peaceful eternal rest.

Prof. Prof., I am completely lost for words...My heart is heavy... Your hearty laugh, counsel, gentleness and sincerity will be sorely missed. You were the quintessential gentleman with your distinctive 'bow tie'. You only transitioned, you did not die because your spirit lives on. Rest in peace. 'Pepi Pepi', as you always called me.

my Uncle, my Benefactor, consummate scientist.
Uncle Professor, gone too soon and most unexpectedly.
YOU set a standard worthy of respect by any measure.
I am only too happy to remind myself and the kids to strive to excellence much as you did.
rest in peace, UNCLE PROFESSOR.