July 4, 2021
July 4, 2021
Miss you soooooooo much Dad ...
R.I.P ..... ❤
R.I.P ..... ❤
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Prof. Babatunde Fetuga We will remember him forever.
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April 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
Continue to Rest in Perfect Peace my Dearest Dearest Daddy......
Your children and grandchildren miss you sooooooooooo much.......
We will ALWAYS ALWAYS Love You ❤❤
Your children and grandchildren miss you sooooooooooo much.......
We will ALWAYS ALWAYS Love You ❤❤
April 19, 2020
April 19, 2020
Dear Tunde,
How time flies. Today is the first anniversary of your exit from our earthly world. My family and I will always miss our life long friendship. Even now that you are up there and away from us, you continue with your lucky and winning streak. You know you were always one heck of a lucky guy and see how you just escaped this crazy pandemic coronavirus. Continue to rest in peace until we all meet again.
How time flies. Today is the first anniversary of your exit from our earthly world. My family and I will always miss our life long friendship. Even now that you are up there and away from us, you continue with your lucky and winning streak. You know you were always one heck of a lucky guy and see how you just escaped this crazy pandemic coronavirus. Continue to rest in peace until we all meet again.
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Time flies, but memories linger on.
This time, last year, on your 74th Birthday "I love you all" were your final words to us, your classmates at King's, and recorded.
That we shall always remember.
This time, last year, on your 74th Birthday "I love you all" were your final words to us, your classmates at King's, and recorded.
That we shall always remember.
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Dear Prof. We miss you and your thoughts are always with us. Today should have been your 75th birthday but God loves you most.
We thank God for a life well spent . We would never forget your positive impact on me and my family.
Our Professional career is unequalled. We can stand tall among our peers. They call us "Prof"s replica".
I see the true situations of life and I remember your guidance on never to quit or throw in the towel in the face of challenges.
I miss you and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Dr. Akapa
We thank God for a life well spent . We would never forget your positive impact on me and my family.
Our Professional career is unequalled. We can stand tall among our peers. They call us "Prof"s replica".
I see the true situations of life and I remember your guidance on never to quit or throw in the towel in the face of challenges.
I miss you and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Dr. Akapa
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
12.40am 18th April 2020.... It's your Birthday today Dearest Dad....you would have turned 75 years old .......and we come together to remember your passing in 2 days time .......
Miss you soooooooooo Much Dad.
Words can't describe the pain, the void your absence left.....
I know you're in a much better place .....smiling, laughing, cracking jokes , cheering us on down here, worshipping your creator ......
Mosope , your grandson continues the 18th April Birthday celebrations .
Once again, miss you sooo much and will always always always Love you.
Continue to Rest in Peace Dad....
Your one and only daughter
Oyinkansola
Miss you soooooooooo Much Dad.
Words can't describe the pain, the void your absence left.....
I know you're in a much better place .....smiling, laughing, cracking jokes , cheering us on down here, worshipping your creator ......
Mosope , your grandson continues the 18th April Birthday celebrations .
Once again, miss you sooo much and will always always always Love you.
Continue to Rest in Peace Dad....
Your one and only daughter
Oyinkansola
September 23, 2019
September 23, 2019
I met Prof briefly in 1984. He supervised my masters thesis and during this meeting I saw class. I called him from my new country Canada, he expressed great satisfaction in my level. I tried incessantly reaching him of late and when not possible, I tried him on google to see this news.
Prof may you rest in peace.
Jesuorobo John Isaac --IBM Toronto Canada
Prof may you rest in peace.
Jesuorobo John Isaac --IBM Toronto Canada
May 20, 2019
May 20, 2019
I met Prof Fetuga,who was my husband's childhood friend,i n person of Engr Dipo Oyewole. Ever since we met till the very end,Prof remained a special character . A very objective minded person on issues,a socialilte , God fearing and highly intellectual. I am going to miss our political ,pig related discussions and visits to Ijebu ode.
Your are greatly missed,Uncle Tunde.
Continue to Rest in Glory.
Your are greatly missed,Uncle Tunde.
Continue to Rest in Glory.
May 20, 2019
May 20, 2019
Prof was a good example of a distinguished and learned gentleman. As the chairman of the society, his voice and speeches commanded respect and authority. I learnt a lot from him having served as the social secretary of the cathedral Torch Bearers. He thought me how to address members by instilling that confidence needed to speak with the elders in the society. Few days before he passed, I visited him in the hospital on his request and I was humbled with his sense of humour and bravery ensued by his revelations after a long conversation of his wishes and plans on matters of the society. I'm indeed very grateful for his lecture and enlightenment. He was a rare gem and he would be missed. May light perpetual continue to shine upon him.
May 19, 2019
May 19, 2019
To an Uncle, who the Nigerian Agric industry did not get enough of , another Power house that our Country did not fully utilise his skills, l say good bye to you. Whenever l remember the types of Wood that lay in our Forest, which you pointed out to me , l still feel aghast at this open secret !
My days with the the Clan at Parry road ,l can never forget , everything seems to be moving so fast! Tons and tons of luv Tayo
My days with the the Clan at Parry road ,l can never forget , everything seems to be moving so fast! Tons and tons of luv Tayo
May 17, 2019
May 17, 2019
Uncle Tunde, where do we start? You fought the good fight ,but the good Lord said it was time.
How can we forget those visits you made with Aunty Ronke they were always beautiful evenings.
You took life head on,no challenge was too big.
We remember you being one of the youngest professors at U.I and your exceptional knowledge in your field.
As you rest with the heavenly hosts may it be peaceful
Adieu!
The family of Late George Adebiyi and Folashade Okege
How can we forget those visits you made with Aunty Ronke they were always beautiful evenings.
You took life head on,no challenge was too big.
We remember you being one of the youngest professors at U.I and your exceptional knowledge in your field.
As you rest with the heavenly hosts may it be peaceful
Adieu!
The family of Late George Adebiyi and Folashade Okege
May 15, 2019
May 15, 2019
A TRIBUTE IN HONOUR OF MY MENTOR, PROF. BABATUNDE LAMBARD ADETOKUNBO FETUGA, FNSEB, FNIAS
It was on Easter Sunday 21st April, 2019, that I received the shocking news of the passing on of my mentor: University Teacher, and my three-time project supervisor, elder brother and friend, Prof. Babatunde Lambard Adetokunbo Fetuga, which sad event occurred on Saturday 20th, April 2019. The shock was real as it was unfathomable, given the fact that we had spoken on his 74th Birthday anniversary on Thursday 18th April, 2019, and he was in high spirits.
A very significant component of my career progression in life is inextricably tied to my relationship with this great mentor, as far back as the 1975/76 session when I was assigned to him as my final year undergraduate student’s project supervisor in the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan. This first close contact and exposure to research, under his tutelage laid the foundation of, and opened the door to my interest in a career in academics. He was at hand to encourage me to pursue postgraduate studies after my NYSC.
Indeed Prof. Fetuga’s sterling qualities as a good and effective teacher, and an outstanding researcher, endeared him to many, who saw him as a role model, and who are today holding their own in their academic endeavours in Agriculture, etc. Prof. Babatunde Fetuga sustained a very close and good working relationship with the students he supervised and took interest in their career progress. To the glory of God, six of his Post-Graduate students became Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as several Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Institutions. As Dean of Post-Graduate School, University of Ibadan, the landscape of Postgraduate education was turned around through the mounting of many professional disciplines and the development of viable Academic linkages with high ranking universities in the USA and Europe.
After his retirement from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Fetuga’s stint with Glaxo Nigeria Plc produced outstanding results in his capacity as the Business Development Director. He thereafter vigorously and successfully pursued his endeavours as a private businessman and Agro-industrial Consultant, undertaking consultancy services for the Federal and State Governments.
Prof. Babatunde Fetuga commanded tremendous respect from his peers and friends in many areas of human endeavor: in the Pure and Applied Sciences, Business, Social Sciences, Politics and governance. He was very articulate and well informed on national issues with a consistent bent on the narrative for the implementation of policies to better the lot of the common man. He was a patriot.
In the last one year and more, Late Prof. Fetuga had been actively sharing daily scriptural verses and Christian hymns through his Whatsapp platform, with friends and dear ones. I can say how much I benefitted from these messages and songs. He had this to say, “This is one way I can show my gratitude to God for what He has done for me, by sharing His word with others.”
Many people have been touched and saddened by his early exit considering how much more he could have offered the society. Though deeply pained by his death, I remain personally thankful to God that our paths crossed 44 years ago. Prof. Babatunde Lambard Adetokunbo Fetuga remains my Academic Mentor – in – Chief, elder brother and destiny helper.
On that fateful Easter Sunday, after I received the news of his death, I drove to the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo where on April 25th, 2008 he commissioned one of the new buildings during the Convocation Ceremony. I looked at the plaque he laid on the wall with his name fully engraved. I could not hold back the tears. He had laid many plaques in the lives of the people he touched, beginning from his lovely children (and their families) to his students and many more. That is where the consolation comes in – the legacies he has left behind and the need for us to uphold those qualities.
To Oyinkansola, Babajide and Oluwagbemiga, remain strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Let us remember that “God shall wipe away all tears from their (our) eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev. 21:4).
May God grant us all the fortitude to bear this painful loss, and may the soul of our departed father, friend and confidant rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen. Adieu!
Prof. Akaneren I. Essien, FNSAP`
Former Vice-Chancellor
University of Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
It was on Easter Sunday 21st April, 2019, that I received the shocking news of the passing on of my mentor: University Teacher, and my three-time project supervisor, elder brother and friend, Prof. Babatunde Lambard Adetokunbo Fetuga, which sad event occurred on Saturday 20th, April 2019. The shock was real as it was unfathomable, given the fact that we had spoken on his 74th Birthday anniversary on Thursday 18th April, 2019, and he was in high spirits.
A very significant component of my career progression in life is inextricably tied to my relationship with this great mentor, as far back as the 1975/76 session when I was assigned to him as my final year undergraduate student’s project supervisor in the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan. This first close contact and exposure to research, under his tutelage laid the foundation of, and opened the door to my interest in a career in academics. He was at hand to encourage me to pursue postgraduate studies after my NYSC.
Indeed Prof. Fetuga’s sterling qualities as a good and effective teacher, and an outstanding researcher, endeared him to many, who saw him as a role model, and who are today holding their own in their academic endeavours in Agriculture, etc. Prof. Babatunde Fetuga sustained a very close and good working relationship with the students he supervised and took interest in their career progress. To the glory of God, six of his Post-Graduate students became Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as several Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Institutions. As Dean of Post-Graduate School, University of Ibadan, the landscape of Postgraduate education was turned around through the mounting of many professional disciplines and the development of viable Academic linkages with high ranking universities in the USA and Europe.
After his retirement from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Fetuga’s stint with Glaxo Nigeria Plc produced outstanding results in his capacity as the Business Development Director. He thereafter vigorously and successfully pursued his endeavours as a private businessman and Agro-industrial Consultant, undertaking consultancy services for the Federal and State Governments.
Prof. Babatunde Fetuga commanded tremendous respect from his peers and friends in many areas of human endeavor: in the Pure and Applied Sciences, Business, Social Sciences, Politics and governance. He was very articulate and well informed on national issues with a consistent bent on the narrative for the implementation of policies to better the lot of the common man. He was a patriot.
In the last one year and more, Late Prof. Fetuga had been actively sharing daily scriptural verses and Christian hymns through his Whatsapp platform, with friends and dear ones. I can say how much I benefitted from these messages and songs. He had this to say, “This is one way I can show my gratitude to God for what He has done for me, by sharing His word with others.”
Many people have been touched and saddened by his early exit considering how much more he could have offered the society. Though deeply pained by his death, I remain personally thankful to God that our paths crossed 44 years ago. Prof. Babatunde Lambard Adetokunbo Fetuga remains my Academic Mentor – in – Chief, elder brother and destiny helper.
On that fateful Easter Sunday, after I received the news of his death, I drove to the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo where on April 25th, 2008 he commissioned one of the new buildings during the Convocation Ceremony. I looked at the plaque he laid on the wall with his name fully engraved. I could not hold back the tears. He had laid many plaques in the lives of the people he touched, beginning from his lovely children (and their families) to his students and many more. That is where the consolation comes in – the legacies he has left behind and the need for us to uphold those qualities.
To Oyinkansola, Babajide and Oluwagbemiga, remain strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Let us remember that “God shall wipe away all tears from their (our) eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev. 21:4).
May God grant us all the fortitude to bear this painful loss, and may the soul of our departed father, friend and confidant rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen. Adieu!
Prof. Akaneren I. Essien, FNSAP`
Former Vice-Chancellor
University of Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
May 12, 2019
May 12, 2019
Egbon mi as fondly called you.I never knew we were saying good-bye on that Sunday , the news of your death was a shock to me but i take solace in God who gave and take away . You were a pride of Fetugas' Clan , you will for ever be missed by all of us . A fine gentle man wtih a distinct voice .
Omo olowo joye meji po
O je jagunrewe
O tun je oba
Omo apani keke
Omo elewu wo yi wo yi
Ikanigbo lomokunrin wa
Wonderful cousin
Sun re o.
Omo olowo joye meji po
O je jagunrewe
O tun je oba
Omo apani keke
Omo elewu wo yi wo yi
Ikanigbo lomokunrin wa
Wonderful cousin
Sun re o.
May 10, 2019
May 10, 2019
My Dad Taiwo Okusanya and my Uncle Tunde Fetuga first met on Lagos Island as teenagers. Uncle Tunde lived elsewhere but had come to pass the holidays in ‘Eko’ whilst my father’s family lived at Ita-Faji. Their friendship was instantaneous and continued throughout secondary school even though they attended different schools, my Dad at MBHS and my Uncle at KC. They bonded over their love of books and my Dad always marvelled at how brilliant Uncle Tunde was.
After their first degrees, my Uncle and my Dad both made a beeline for the University of Ibadan – one into Academia and the other into Administration, complementing each other perfectly. They married beautiful young ladies both named Aderonke and had 3 children each having agreed that you could only fit 3 children comfortably into the back of a VW Beetle. We, the children, became ‘cousins’ and when my mum travelled we went straight to the Fetugas and vice versa – they were both as strict so Oyinkan and I used to say there was no point in going anywhere else to be spoilt.
Uncle Tunde’s life work is the stuff of legends; his pioneering work using local products for baby food, his achievements in the field of Nutritional Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition which earned him his Professorship at the tender age of 32 – the youngest ever!
At home, to us, my Uncle was the coolest… he was laid back and had a great belly laugh that reverberated and made others happy. Yes, he and Dad also shared a love for red wine and enjoyed socialising. I fondly remember the adults talking and laughing well into the wee hours at both homes… we loved it cos we got to stay up late.
When I met Bolanle (my husband), chez Fetuga was one of the first places I took him too. He had to be vetted and lucky for him, he passed with flying colours. It helped that he already knew my Uncle from when the Fetugas lived almost next door on Adenuga Street, and the clincher was the massive respect Bolanle had for my Uncle Tunde – as a gentleman and a scholar.
My Uncle Tunde was the Chairman at our wedding, he was my choice and no one tried to dissuade me. He was simply amazing and I looked up to him; my cousins have all turned out fantastic and our lives continue to be interwoven.
Thanks for my lovely childhood Prof; I pray that you find light, peace and happiness with Jesus, Amen.
Joke Adenuga
After their first degrees, my Uncle and my Dad both made a beeline for the University of Ibadan – one into Academia and the other into Administration, complementing each other perfectly. They married beautiful young ladies both named Aderonke and had 3 children each having agreed that you could only fit 3 children comfortably into the back of a VW Beetle. We, the children, became ‘cousins’ and when my mum travelled we went straight to the Fetugas and vice versa – they were both as strict so Oyinkan and I used to say there was no point in going anywhere else to be spoilt.
Uncle Tunde’s life work is the stuff of legends; his pioneering work using local products for baby food, his achievements in the field of Nutritional Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition which earned him his Professorship at the tender age of 32 – the youngest ever!
At home, to us, my Uncle was the coolest… he was laid back and had a great belly laugh that reverberated and made others happy. Yes, he and Dad also shared a love for red wine and enjoyed socialising. I fondly remember the adults talking and laughing well into the wee hours at both homes… we loved it cos we got to stay up late.
When I met Bolanle (my husband), chez Fetuga was one of the first places I took him too. He had to be vetted and lucky for him, he passed with flying colours. It helped that he already knew my Uncle from when the Fetugas lived almost next door on Adenuga Street, and the clincher was the massive respect Bolanle had for my Uncle Tunde – as a gentleman and a scholar.
My Uncle Tunde was the Chairman at our wedding, he was my choice and no one tried to dissuade me. He was simply amazing and I looked up to him; my cousins have all turned out fantastic and our lives continue to be interwoven.
Thanks for my lovely childhood Prof; I pray that you find light, peace and happiness with Jesus, Amen.
Joke Adenuga
May 9, 2019
May 9, 2019
TRIBUTE FROM PROFESSOR ADEBISI. M BALOGUN
I have come to celebrate my dear academic mentor, Professor Lambard Babatunde Fetuga (Ph.D, FNSEB, FNIAS), a distinguished scholar, a great motivator and a man of sartorial excellence.
Prof Babatunde Fetuga traversed this world like a colossus between 18th April, 1945 and 20th April, 2019 when he finally submitted to the will of God. He graduated at the University of Ibadan with a First Class degree in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition in 1969. He took his Ph.D with distinction and commendation in the same field in 1972. In October 1977, he was promoted Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at the age of 32.
A Full-Bright Scholar and a visiting Professor at the Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, Professor Fetuga had supervised twenty four (24) Ph.D students and various Master’s Degree Projects. He was Dean, Post Graduate School at the University of Ibadan.
His foray into the Private sector offered him a unique opportunity of providing innovative solution to products development in Glaxo Nigeria Limited, a foremost industry in the production of baby foods. He eventually became the Business Development Director of the Company in 1990. By time he was retiring from Glaxo in 1993, he had successfully pushed into the Nigerian market Babeena – a milk cereal product for infants.
Prof., you provided the shoulder upon which most of us who passed through your academic mentorship stood up in life. For me, I was attracted to you by your youthfulness (a professor at 32), your brilliance and your sartorial spirit of academic excellence. I then (as a final year student of Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition) approached you to be my supervisor. You asked me the following questions. Did you attend King’s College? I said no but that I attended Ilesa Grammar School, one of the best in the country at that time. The next question was: How did you know me and why did I want you to be my supervisor? I then explained that Professor V.A Oyenuga (of blessed memory) described your brilliance and academic excellence in one of his lectures to us as a 200Level student and that he was always talking about you with absolute pride. I also said I wanted you to be my academic mentor. After that encounter, you affirmatively agreed to supervise me. You were there to provide quality and sustainable academic leadership and mentorship throughout my period of studies at B.Sc, M.Sc and Ph.D levels at the University of Ibadan.
You impacted the spirit of diligence in research and commitment to quality data collection and rigorous analysis on me and many of us that passed through you as undergraduate and postgraduate students.
You were kind, fair-minded, humane and firm in your dealings with me as my supervisor and mentor. I remembered how you drove me round the campus on the day I came to your office and discussed with you that I wanted to terminate my postgraduate programme after my M.Sc for lack of fund. You talked to me, provided advice based on your own experience and you provided a sustainable support for the completion of my Doctoral programme.
You introduced me to Dr. Lanre Talabi for a post-doctoral fellowship in Fish Nutrition and Utilization. That singular Act change the course of my academic history for good and today I am a Professor of Fish Nutrition. You taught me (and most that passed through you as academic mentees) the act of balancing social life with productive academic life.
Professor Babatunde Lambard Fetuga, you were an epitome of scholarship. Indeed you were a great Scholar and motivator. By act of providence you did not become a Vice-Chancellor of a University, but you produce 4 Vice-Chancellors, 1 Provost, I Pro-Chancellor (within the Nigerian University System) and 2 Vice-Chancellors at the international level. Many Professors in Universities here and abroad are products of your diligent academic mentorship.
Prof. It is difficult for me to refer to you in the past, but we must surrender to the will of God. He gives and He takes.
I said earlier on that we have come to celebrate Prof and not to mourn him as it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die”
“He has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to the end.”
Our Prof, Mentor, we shall continue to miss your good work but we are left with the consolation that you have gone to rest in the bosom of your creator. Good night Prof. Adieu-until we shall meet to part no more.
Professor Adebisi M. Balogun
Professor of Fish Nutrition and
Former Vice-Chancellor FUTA.
I have come to celebrate my dear academic mentor, Professor Lambard Babatunde Fetuga (Ph.D, FNSEB, FNIAS), a distinguished scholar, a great motivator and a man of sartorial excellence.
Prof Babatunde Fetuga traversed this world like a colossus between 18th April, 1945 and 20th April, 2019 when he finally submitted to the will of God. He graduated at the University of Ibadan with a First Class degree in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition in 1969. He took his Ph.D with distinction and commendation in the same field in 1972. In October 1977, he was promoted Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at the age of 32.
A Full-Bright Scholar and a visiting Professor at the Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, Professor Fetuga had supervised twenty four (24) Ph.D students and various Master’s Degree Projects. He was Dean, Post Graduate School at the University of Ibadan.
His foray into the Private sector offered him a unique opportunity of providing innovative solution to products development in Glaxo Nigeria Limited, a foremost industry in the production of baby foods. He eventually became the Business Development Director of the Company in 1990. By time he was retiring from Glaxo in 1993, he had successfully pushed into the Nigerian market Babeena – a milk cereal product for infants.
Prof., you provided the shoulder upon which most of us who passed through your academic mentorship stood up in life. For me, I was attracted to you by your youthfulness (a professor at 32), your brilliance and your sartorial spirit of academic excellence. I then (as a final year student of Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition) approached you to be my supervisor. You asked me the following questions. Did you attend King’s College? I said no but that I attended Ilesa Grammar School, one of the best in the country at that time. The next question was: How did you know me and why did I want you to be my supervisor? I then explained that Professor V.A Oyenuga (of blessed memory) described your brilliance and academic excellence in one of his lectures to us as a 200Level student and that he was always talking about you with absolute pride. I also said I wanted you to be my academic mentor. After that encounter, you affirmatively agreed to supervise me. You were there to provide quality and sustainable academic leadership and mentorship throughout my period of studies at B.Sc, M.Sc and Ph.D levels at the University of Ibadan.
You impacted the spirit of diligence in research and commitment to quality data collection and rigorous analysis on me and many of us that passed through you as undergraduate and postgraduate students.
You were kind, fair-minded, humane and firm in your dealings with me as my supervisor and mentor. I remembered how you drove me round the campus on the day I came to your office and discussed with you that I wanted to terminate my postgraduate programme after my M.Sc for lack of fund. You talked to me, provided advice based on your own experience and you provided a sustainable support for the completion of my Doctoral programme.
You introduced me to Dr. Lanre Talabi for a post-doctoral fellowship in Fish Nutrition and Utilization. That singular Act change the course of my academic history for good and today I am a Professor of Fish Nutrition. You taught me (and most that passed through you as academic mentees) the act of balancing social life with productive academic life.
Professor Babatunde Lambard Fetuga, you were an epitome of scholarship. Indeed you were a great Scholar and motivator. By act of providence you did not become a Vice-Chancellor of a University, but you produce 4 Vice-Chancellors, 1 Provost, I Pro-Chancellor (within the Nigerian University System) and 2 Vice-Chancellors at the international level. Many Professors in Universities here and abroad are products of your diligent academic mentorship.
Prof. It is difficult for me to refer to you in the past, but we must surrender to the will of God. He gives and He takes.
I said earlier on that we have come to celebrate Prof and not to mourn him as it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die”
“He has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to the end.”
Our Prof, Mentor, we shall continue to miss your good work but we are left with the consolation that you have gone to rest in the bosom of your creator. Good night Prof. Adieu-until we shall meet to part no more.
Professor Adebisi M. Balogun
Professor of Fish Nutrition and
Former Vice-Chancellor FUTA.
May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019
" Ikanigbo l'omo okunrin wa, awon obinrin ibe bi Oba ibo mi lori".
I knew Prof was my relative even before i met with him. I spent time in my youth sitting with elders and learning about my heritage. My mother an Ijebu woman from Ikanigbo in Ijebu Ode on her paternal side and a Princess from The Olutufese clan of Ijebu Ife on her maternal side. Professor Fetuga shares the same bloodline with me on both sides. Providence brought us close through his beloved daughter Oyinkansola and i was enamoured and intrigued by this extremely brilliant gentleman who is full of life, dashing, sharp as a razor, humourous and a super story teller.
Death came calling too early and robbed me of the opportunity to know you better and enjoy scintillating stories of your days as a "Rocker" and also learn from your deep knowledge of our common heritage.
I thank God for the opportunity to know you and the love and affection you expressed to me in such a short time. I will surely miss you. I pray that your soul will find eternal rest with your maker.
Rest in peace Professor Babatunde Fetuga omo Ikanigbo ni Ijebu Ode, Sun re o!
I knew Prof was my relative even before i met with him. I spent time in my youth sitting with elders and learning about my heritage. My mother an Ijebu woman from Ikanigbo in Ijebu Ode on her paternal side and a Princess from The Olutufese clan of Ijebu Ife on her maternal side. Professor Fetuga shares the same bloodline with me on both sides. Providence brought us close through his beloved daughter Oyinkansola and i was enamoured and intrigued by this extremely brilliant gentleman who is full of life, dashing, sharp as a razor, humourous and a super story teller.
Death came calling too early and robbed me of the opportunity to know you better and enjoy scintillating stories of your days as a "Rocker" and also learn from your deep knowledge of our common heritage.
I thank God for the opportunity to know you and the love and affection you expressed to me in such a short time. I will surely miss you. I pray that your soul will find eternal rest with your maker.
Rest in peace Professor Babatunde Fetuga omo Ikanigbo ni Ijebu Ode, Sun re o!
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Professor Babatunde Lambard Adetokunbo Fetuga wrote the Fetuga name in gold. At my inaugural lecture on March 28 2019 this piece was written and read to acknowledge him. Never did I know I was writing a tribute for him. The following month, precisely April 2019 he passed on. May his humble soul rest in perfect peace.
Professor Eniola Oluwatoyin Fetuga Olorunsanya
Professor Eniola Oluwatoyin Fetuga Olorunsanya
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Recent Tributes
July 4, 2021
July 4, 2021
Miss you soooooooo much Dad ...
R.I.P ..... ❤
R.I.P ..... ❤
April 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
Continue to Rest in Perfect Peace my Dearest Dearest Daddy......
Your children and grandchildren miss you sooooooooooo much.......
We will ALWAYS ALWAYS Love You ❤❤
Your children and grandchildren miss you sooooooooooo much.......
We will ALWAYS ALWAYS Love You ❤❤
April 19, 2020
April 19, 2020
Dear Tunde,
How time flies. Today is the first anniversary of your exit from our earthly world. My family and I will always miss our life long friendship. Even now that you are up there and away from us, you continue with your lucky and winning streak. You know you were always one heck of a lucky guy and see how you just escaped this crazy pandemic coronavirus. Continue to rest in peace until we all meet again.
How time flies. Today is the first anniversary of your exit from our earthly world. My family and I will always miss our life long friendship. Even now that you are up there and away from us, you continue with your lucky and winning streak. You know you were always one heck of a lucky guy and see how you just escaped this crazy pandemic coronavirus. Continue to rest in peace until we all meet again.
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May 28, 2019
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN DAYS AND LASTING FRIENDSHIP
Tunde and I met in September 1966 at the University of Ibadan as undergraduates in the Faculty of Agriculture.
He certainly was a striking personality that could not be lost in a crowd.
He was a very active student and his deep guttural voice gave him away at any gathering.
We explored the deep corners of the campus together and really knew where to get good local food on the campus. In our first year together, Tunde was one of the students who stood out academically and he opted to specialise in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition, a discipline he went on to obtain his Doctorate in. Lambard Babatunde Fetuga, or Lambardi, as we used to call him, was a focused and gifted individual. He did not have to burn the long 'mid-night oil'. His memory was sharp and his retention very good. He was intelligent and assertive. Lambardi was not all brains alone, he enjoyed life too.
We belonged to the NUCLEUS Society of the University then. This was an elitist club for students who were "stylish and classy". We threw unique parties in the "FOREST" created right inside the Trenchard Hall. Invitation to membership of this society was by introduction. We held colourful private parties that was the envy of other students.
Lambardi and I were not in the same Hall of residence, but we spent a lot of time 'in another Hall, Queen's Hall, residence of Ronke, Tunde's love. This Hall was almost second home to us.
We graduated together in June 1969. Our graduating class, had a record of 2 (two ) First Class Graduands. Tunde was one of the two. He was a man of excellence and he went on to become one of the youngest professors in the University of Ibadan.
Tunde left academics and migrated' into the world of commerce through one of the big Pharmaceutical Companies. There he led in the development and of an Infant Feed formulation and its production.
Tunde was a committed father and he remained close to his children till his death.
Vicissitude of life set in the last few years his life. This led to degeneration of his health and consequent withdrawal from active public life.
In spite of these setbacks, Tunde held his head high and was strongly supported by his children. He kept in close contact with his friends as he continued to send me daily devotional readings and meditation. The last time I was with him in Ijebu-Ode a few months back he was in top spirit.
We miss our once ebullient and vibrant Lambardi may his soul rest in peace.
We his friends from University of Ibadan days wish Ronke and the children - Oyinkan, Babajide (my Godson) and Gbenga God's protection, provision and favour.
God bless you all.
Muyiwa Onabolu
May 28, 2019
THIS HEART OF FLESH ... A PANORAMC VIEW
-Dr, Kofi Bassento Ikpeme
My friend, my brother, a shining star goes home.
Da,you arrived on earth as a gift to your parents and humanity. When the angels /Stars were not ready to herald you to the firmament, GOD in his wisdom intervened and received you graciously to his bosom for He decides as per the time and place.
It all started over sixty years ago in Duke Town Primary School in Calabar where we met as kids. Instantaneously we became very friendly ending up more as brothers. This was during the time of MR. Mkpanam, the dreaded teacher who terrorised the pupils in Duke Town Primary School whoever passed through his class with his array of canes for caning us to instill fear, hardwork and progress as we matured steadily. His overbearing attitude paved the way for brighter future for his pupils. Bless you Mkpanam!
We later met in King's College in 1959. That was where and when we also met the third musketeer George Nwabukwu (Aroughy Sailor). We were very good friends and brothers in childhood crimes in King's College. The Almighty Hyde Johnson House "gelled" us after the Salt and Water expo. We broke bounds religiously, landing in the Principal's House with no qualms. When our escapades got out of control, the Principal- Mr. P. H. Davis decided to send for my father preparatory for my expulsion from K'C. Since I was the numero uno' culprit of the three musketeers. My old man arrived in Lagos to discuss my fate with Mr. Davis. Before leaving Lagos back to Calabar my old man invited the two of us Lambardo / Bassento to where he stayed in Lagos for serious reprimanding. He looked at us for over two minutes and came out with the mother-of questions. Facing me he asked, between both of you who is spoiling the other? I remained very quiet and he turned and asked Tunde and asked the same question. He also remained quiet. Concurrently we promised to be of good behaviour henceforth. Did we change? Well!
We had all sort soft rick sup our sleeves. Using the cadet unit bags, we formed dummies on our beds in preparation to leave the compound to Obalende for night clubbing. On this particular night unfortunately, Mr. Koko the Senior Boarding House Master under the cover of darkness was lurking near the wall on Catholic Mission Street, he caught and held onto my right ankle as I was about to jump over the wall. The others disappeared back to the dormitory. The next day we were in the Principal's house for serious reprimanding.
He met and later married Ranke the mother of their wonderful children. He left for Cornell University in America, came back to U. I. And continued in the Department of Animal Science where he built a formidable reputation for himself. Few years later he was elevated to the level of a professor in the same department, the youngest in his time in the University based on his intellectual input and hardwork. Dissatisfied with the happenings in the University after awhile, he left to join one of the big Multinational Pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.
Lambardo's mother, mother in a million played a her culean part in his life. She made sure my friend lacked nothing. She sacrificed a lot to see him through every stage in his life. They were very close and cared for each other marvelously. During our days in K. C. after all said and done we will end up in her house in Surulere for food and a roof over our heads. In time of trouble, we will crawl to her place for refuge. On seeing us the first question will be, what have you done this time? We will answer together; we are hungry Mma! The mother in her gave us the needed strength and encouragement to continue as per-our studies and our escapades. We thank God that Nigeria was then quite safe. Health hazards (HIV etc) cultism and security never made headlines during our time in the College / University. Today it is a different ball game, Lambardo (Obioyam) was strong and fit physically using this attribute to terrorize any who dared him especially in the hockey field. He was extremely sharp and brilliant coming out with top grades in diverse situations. He was however overwhelmingly emotional in persons and time, for I cannot forget the day he came visiting after the death of my wife. Tunde wept from the moment he set his eye son me till he got back to his car. In the same vein he protected the weaker members of the society, male or female.
This great and brilliant journey started seventy-four years ago. For reasons best known to nature Lambardo started having medical issues later in life affecting his health adversely. He tried very hard to maintain status quo until when the body could not stand the impact of illness he slept in the Lord on 20th April, 2019.
FLOREAT COLLEGIUM
We will all miss you my dear friend, my brother.
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
May 28, 2019
FROM COLLEGE, TO INGOTS AND THE TRIPARTITE GROUP
THE JOY OF CAMARADERIE
King's College is the Premier Federal Government Institution in Nigeria. Established in 1909.
Other schools existed before then, even in Lagos, like CMS Grammar school which was established by Bishop Ajayi Crowther. However, Kings College prides herself as the best, and rightly so too. Drawing the brightest and the best brains through entrance examinations open to all children in Nigeria. This practice brought up a set of boys in 1959 when the college was 50 years old, as the College celebrated its Golden Jubilee. They were joined by those who came in for Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1964. These 78 boys are together today, men that have remained bonded together as a golden block and as claimed adopted a name Golden Ingot as they consider themselves as solid as a block or as ingot to be molded. Babatunde Lambardo Fetuga belongs to this block. He was from beginning a chip in the block.
Everyone in the class tolerated, accepted and defended one another. The beauty of being in King's College shone through all. Each student was brought up not to question the place of origin in this myriad of ethnic nationalities constituting our great country Nigeria. That is the bedrock unknowingly to us, the basis of our unity and brotherhood till date. So also the unimportance attached to your religious upbringing and practices. For we all are brothers with a common debt.
Everyone had a nickname and dared not object to it, we extended nicknames to even our teachers. The most hilarious was our distinguished statesman, who was ever perfectly and admiringly dressed, impeccable in culture and carriage, fatherly and with a commanding personalit, Mr. Agiobu-Kemmer, we called him "Carica Papaya" He was our Botany teacher. The name sounded authoritative and distinguished yet that botanical name is a plant in English, guess what - Pawpaw. Another of our suave, savvy teacher we called him "Species".
Indeed, Lombardo it was, who nicknamed me "Moving Jacket - Moving J". Because my School white coat was sewn by the tailor which after washing, had turned to almost a waistcoat flying in the air as I moved around the class disturbing and making noise. They will still call me that name 45 years thereafter and even now that I am a grandfather, my children are now proud to form a company with the name.
College days were good. A truly Federal Institution, Federated by the founding fathers which needed and still needs no restructuring. Those of us who joined from the North, knew no one else as being anything but Nigerian. As HSC students we were called "Up School Boys". Referring to us as not being classically polished to Etonian or Oxford standard level of Aristocratic British gentlemen. That was the training King's College was and is still giving to the students since all KCOBs are expected to be technocrats that will move Nigeria forward above all. However, in order to remove the coarseness and rustic nature from us, we had to go through that initiation where you performed on stage under the watchful eyes of the School Captain. In my time, Ayo Kekere-Ekun. Irrespective of your performance you drank to the shout of “brine, brine …..!” It sealed brotherhood. Trust Lambardo, he was at the thick of it. In other College incidences, we joined in the fleeting pleasure of moments, when after breakfast each morning, before dashing to class, we went on sightseeing by “Hyde J” House to see girls passing to work from Igbosere Street toward Broad Street. We named the place “Miami Beach”. Strictly, there were no derogatory comments by us on passersby but lots of fun as we entertained ourselves by remarks, on the ladies gaits and looks, made by the likes of Lawal – a.k.a De Gaulle, Nwafor, etc.
Memories of evening meetings of the Thinkers Club at our teacher's flat, Mr. Miners, were all unforgettable and have formed long lasting training as we discussed philosophers like Bertrand Russell, Karl Max, George Wilhelm and Emmanuel Kant. Needless to say, I always looked forward to the British tea and gingers biscuits.
Schooling at King's College and "nurtured in her classroom from our early youth" bound adults together to seek each other to form the Golden Ingots. Quoting Bukar Usman in his King's College Lagos Old Boys description, "Venerable Oluwagbemiga Onayemi explained that: At an early stage of collating names of 1959/63/65 class boys and holding meetings some time in 1974 or so, I came across the word INGOT a block of steel, gold, silver or other metal. I suggested that our set name be coined from this word, since we were admitted in 1959, the golden (50th) anniversary of King's college. This was discussed and the name GOLDEN INGOTS was adopted. Individually or as a group we consider ourselves solid as a block.
Permit me a few moments in self adulation which KCOBs are not known for. This class of Boys have produced amazing talents and breakthroughs. We have a Bishop and Venerable Odubogun and Onayemi respectively, who became these after making a success of their earlier vocations. Chartered accountants in innumerable numbers like Taju Habib, Onayemi or even Sagua who chartered ACCA within 2 years of leaving King's College. Bankers like Dennis Odife. He established and owned Centre Point Merchant Bank, Industrialists like Akinpelu and Aiyedehin, Medical Doctors, so many as if King's College was set up to produce Doctors. Giwa-Osagie chaired the establishment of the nations foremost pride - National Hospital, Abuja, Veterinary Doctors like Ayivor and my humble self , Linguists and Presidential interpreters like Wisdom Baiye. "Engineers-to-rnoye" like Onabolu, permanent secretaries like Bukar Usman and Ipinlaiye, Vice Chancellor and Professors as if all ingots are Professors - Ake'nova, Dabiri, Egbunike, Atinmo, Adebiyi, Giwa Osagie, Smith, Suleman ete. Here comes in Lombardo Fetuga. In a Eulogy by Ray Bally Adewale Balogun, he writes "To S;3y Tunde was brilliant is an understatement. In fact, I used to joke with him here in Ijebu Ode that like Einstein, he should will his brain for preservation by the public after reaching the ripe age of95 like his late mum!! Tunde was the youngest Dean of postgraduate school, University of Ibadan"
. Fetuga was a pillar in the Ingot family for 10 years and more, he hosted the Ingots' annual get together. He only stopped when he moved to Ijebu Ode. These get-togethers were so cherished by all the ingots who could make it. It was a forum to remember things of old. It was a call to be answered every year. And we take it that when the call is made all must answer HERE. The Ingots set must be one of the most active sets of KCOB.
Other class sets were formed within the KCOB. The Independence boys were the intake of 1960-64-66 set. Like all King's men they are a formidable highly successful people. They meet regularly just like other sets. Within them are Doctors, Lawyers, Senators and Professionals of high repute. Prior to these two sets are the Great Republican set (1958-62-64). Without repeating the obvious, they are men who have contributed immensely to this nation in a wide variety of vocations from the usual high flying professions of Medicine, Engineering, Law; to International Diplomacy, Military General, Administration and Politics.
Tripartite group: The 3 subgroups formed a tripartite group in 2012 following successful joint meetings in 2011 with some of its objectives being to promote and foster interactions amongst members. It has a total membership of some 200 out of which 57 have passed on. There are three co- coordinators, one from each set - Femi Adegoke, Ayo. KekereEkun and Busuyi Onabolu for Independence, Great Republicans and Ingots respectively.
Once again Lombardo was a pillar and promoter of these Camaraderie and ideals. This ebullient man, this self assured and innovative man, came to lay his feet on the sand of time and make a mark in people's life. Permit me to say how Lombardo personally affected me. He became a Professor at the age of 32. Which is ranking along with Giants like General Yakubu Gowon who became a Head of State at about that same age. When he came as an external examiner to Ahmadu Bello University, to my faculty, I asked him, how did you do it? He waved it off as if it were a non-issue. He asked me to liaise with him and there started my mentorship by him. Ladies and gentleman, under the tutelage of Lambardo Babatunde Fetuga, with his inspiration and goading, I produced scientific publications such that within a few years I too became a Professor at 38 years of age. Still a far cry from 32. Such was the man of honour, an inventor, a genius, a hard worker, a man who we celebrate today. A sustainer of the Joy of Camaraderie.
Let me end by quoting the G- Poet our quintessential Poet George Amadi.
Ringing out for solace George Amadi
Bells in our hearts
We who mourn,
From us plucked a gem
Rare, out loud solace rings
Not a few hands
Wrings
Our hope for mercy on wings. The moment it filtered
Man of simplicity
Gone sooner
Than expected
Pain unknown
Inflicted, tears our
Fears-muffled
Disbelief a anguish hid
Gone to his rest, dear one
From this wicked
World
On Eternal father's
Bosom to land
Hope and pray we fervently do
If our request granted gets
We can only but win
#G Poet
Thank you for listening
HRH Prof. Olugbemiro Akerejola KCOB