My heartfelt condolences to the Mabogunje family. The world has lost not only an esteemed giant and intellectual of global geography education but a man amongst men in a world where today, you rarely see the qualities he embodied.

I am related to the late Uncle Mabogunje, through my father, Babatunde A. Gbolade, a first cousin of his wife, Justice Mrs Titi Mabogunje. My parents consistently spoke highly of Uncle and Aunty when I was growing up as a child in Nigeria and the UK between the mid-80s and 90s. I recall accompanying my father to his house in Ibadan in August 2002 during a visit to Nigeria,  and even in his advancing years, I recall being so impressed with his and Aunty’s focus on keeping fit, eating healthy and generally keeping life simple but enjoyable. I am sure he probably knew much more about me than I did about him, but as I got the opportunity to meet them as I grew older, I began to understand and appreciate not only his full status and stature in the world of academia but also his humility and quiet, confident disposition.

I also recall and admired his ability to enter and leave a room with little fanfare. He was so calm and softly spoken that you could not help but lean in to capture every pearl of wisdom he had to share. Amid commotion and frenetic activity, he just seemed able to let all go past him without batting an eyelid, and this attribute seemed to have served him well through a long distinguished life and career.
 
We cherish the wedding gift they gave us, an autographed copy of his autobiography “A measure of Grace”, published that year.  
My wife and I also had the pleasure of visiting him and Aunty when they came to London in 2015, a short but memorable occasion filled with laughter and embraces.
 
As an architect and fellow built environment specialist, I am sad I did not get to speak much with the Professor about his area of expertise during any of the short spells with him, as he was a man with a vision for future developments in Nigeria and globally.
 
Professor Akin Mabogunje, may your soul rest in perfect peace. As a fellow Yoruba and God-fearing man, I look forward to re-uniting with you in the fullness of time, and maybe, just maybe, we will be able to strike up a long overdue conversation or two on globalisation and the built environment!
 
Yours was a life served with distinction and a full measure of grace!
 
Seun Lanre Gbolade & Tara Gbolade,
London, United Kingdom

Dad, suddenly with your departure, I am empty. Suddenly I am at a loss for words, not able to describe the emptiness that I feel. Today, as I stare at that empty place you have left behind, I am not that great story teller you acclaimed me to be.
My mind roams and I think of the fact that I have known you all my my life. You were my father, the late Dr. Aderohunmu Oladipo Laja's very good friend. Although he was a Chief Consultant Pathologist and you were a Professor of Geography, you had a lot that you engaged in together with other friends such as the late Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi and the late Professor Ade Igun.
You were close friends, so I saw a lot of you growing up , when you would visit our house in Lagos. I loved the sound and timbre of your voice. To me it was special. I had no idea that I would in my adult years become your daughter in law.
I search for the right words to describe my time with you as a part of your family. I lost my biological Dad almost 3 decades ago and you had my back. Through the years, we spent hours in each others company, where I would just absorb like a sponge all that you had to impart. When 22 years ago I decided to become self employed and I entered the development space, we grew to have more in common than ever before.
I absolutely adored you and in you I knew I had a champion. At every nook and turn I would find the huge foot prints you had left in the sands of time, and you were still alive. A living legend. I counted myself blessed and extremely lucky to have you in my life.
When you began to spend more and more time in Lagos working through various National assignments that you had, and you opted to spend more and more time with Seun and I, I was thrilled to bits. I loved taking care of you. Who wouldn't. A father in law who made his own bed and was brilliant company to boot. I remember one weekday several years ago, you turned up on our doorstep unannounced, which was not like you. I was a little worried and thought there was an emergency. You explained that you had been speaking at a conference which overran its time and the organisers insisted you spend the night at the Sheraton. You said, "I told them that my daughter-in-law's house is better than the Sheraton. I will spend the night there". That feel good feeling that hit me then, is still with me today. I could never have been paid a better compliment.
I think I amused you to no end and maybe I was your wind down mechanism at the end of your usually hectic day, with my unending amusing renditions of the serious and worrisome happenings in Naija. Then we would brainstorm possible solutions. Hmmm, those times are now gone forever.
As for my creative streak, you never knew what to expect. From publishing my first anthology of poetry, to staging it in sellout shows at the MUSON over a birthday weekend, to growing dreadlocks. While not taking away from my serious endeavours. I will never forget how proud you were when I became President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. You attended the investiture in person.
Dad, I am going to miss you Terribly. At the same time my heart is gladdend by the fact that you lived a life of impact. That your name is written in gold and your contributions to humanity and to your country will never be forgotten. That you ran an excellent race and finished well. Rest in Everlasting Peace Dad. All my love Toki

Tribute to Prof Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje.

The glorious passing of our beloved Professor,Teacher and Mentor on August 4, 2022 marked the end of the era of an intellectual and Visioner who shaped Urban Development and Human Settlements in Nigeria,Africa and all over the world.

I was very privileged to have been his student as an undergraduate in 1967 majoring in Geography at the University of Ibadan. His brilliance and wealth of knowledge endeared me to Urban Development and paved the way for my career in Urban and Regional Planning. When I joined the Federal Public Service in 1974 little did I know that I had just started another intensive phase of tutelage under our most revered Emeritus Professor when I was transferred to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Our Prof was saddled with the arduous task of carrying out the Ecological Survey of the entire Federal Capital Territory (FCT)and the Resettlement of the inhabitants of the Territory spanning the current Niger,Kogi and Nassarawa States. He was so dedicated and selfless. He rendered all these services at minimal cost. Can u believe that despite all his efforts FCDA only released his land Certificate of Occupancy decades after. This is further attestation to his selflessness,humility,dedication,contentment and service without demanding for rewards.

In structured societies, FCDA should have given him due recognition for his contributions towards the development of our new Capital City for future generations to appreciate.

His final opportunity to reshape Urban Development in Nigeria was afforded him when President Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated the Governor Odili Committee on Housing and Urban Development. Professor Akin Mabogunje again was the Technical Coordinator and I was privileged to be a Member/Secretary to the Committee. He ensured we all gave our best. Almost all the recommendations were accepted by the Federal Government and this led to the establishment of the Lagos Mega City Development Authority Project, which was another missed opportunity by the State Government to find a lasting solution to some of its pressing urban development challenges.

He was in the process of getting a Bill through the National Assembly for Special funding for Lagos State through this Project and he had the active support of President Obasanjo. His efforts were again frustrated because of partisan politics and the fear of Federal Government influence in Lagos, which I consider extremely unfortunate. Prof had lined up International donors ready to assist in areas of Mass Transit that would have benefited Lagos and Ogun States. However, the current administrations in both States have finally keyed in to the dreams and aspirations of Professor Mabogunje’s Mega City Project following their recent MOU on inter States cooperation.
We will miss his wise counsel and brilliant contributions in the areas of Rural and Urban Development in Nigeria,Africa and the entire World.  

May his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty God. May the Good Lord console his most devoted and loving wife Justice Titi Mabogunje and the entire Family.
Joseph Oyewole Okunfulure
Former Director Lands,Urban and Regional Development,Fed Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Former Chairman, Board of Directors,   
Shelter Afrique
Nairobi,Kenya

At Prof. Akin Mabogunje's 80th Birthday, a Compendium was to be published with all the Tributes sent to him on his Birthday. I sent in my Tribute, however, there were too many and unfortunately even being an in-law did not help. My Tribute did not make it in.

I want to represent that Tribute as it still is the best way that i can describe Prof. Akin Mabogunje. Here it goes ...

One thing that I will not forget about Prof. Akin Mabogunje, is what he said to a little child who was 5 years Old, a number of years ago. The Little child was shy saying Hello to an elderly Man, whom she was meeting for the first time. So Prof (as he was fondly called) asked her for her Name to which she responded and then he asked her what class she was in, to which she responded though slowly and quite timidly. The next thing, the child suddenly with quite some energy asked him,"What class are you in ?" This made us all laugh and he said smiling to her that he was a Prof. of Geography. 

She must have made a face at him, showing that she did not understand, so he softly told her, still holding her hand, that he knows alot about a very little subject and even told her, that she may know more about other things than him, which made this little 5 year old girl smile.

It is this Humility which i will never forget about Prof, which is completely absent in the character of many people in our country and the world today. It is however comforting to know that there are still a few people for whom this attribute is important and who exhibit it openly and without inhibitions, in their daily interactions, which endeared him to many people.

This is what i will always remember about Prof. Akin Mabogunje. May the Good Lord give the family the fortitude to beat this loss and may his Soul rest in Peace.

Prof. Akin Mabogunje was a giant in the Planning and Urban Development sector in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide. He was highly respected and always a reference point on issues pertaining to planning and urban development. I encountered him in my career as an Urban Planner in the Urban and Regional Planning Department of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. I had served on a few Committees he chaired and was always in awe as he created reports of proceedings overnight on his laptop by himself. Wow!

He encouraged, inspired and mentored scores of professionals of the Built environment.
Simple, unassuming, humble, soft spoken with a great sense of humour. I loved his gentle smiles.
He made Planning fun and interesting. 

I remember vividly being a member of the Planning committee in 2006 for his 75th birthday event which held in Abuja. I introduced myself and he asked after my late father HRH Adebayo Idowu Onadeko, Odemo Isara. He spoke fondly of him.

His memory was 'sharp' for want of a better word. Highly cerebral, highly intelligent.
I attended a few World Urban Forum (WUF) events with him. I loved to hear him speak. He broke everything down such that you understood him clearly.

His legacy will live on as he left an indelible stamp in the Urban planning sector in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide. Urban sector professionals, Planners and other professionals of the Built environment will miss his contributions in the Urban planning space.

His first daughter, Shade Ogunsola (treble/soprano) and i (alto) were members of the Choir of the Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi.

My deepest condolences to all especially his family. May God Almighty comfort, console and uphold the entire Mabogunje family.

May his gallant soul find eternal rest with the saints.
E pele pupo o...
A ku ile de.

Ade Iyabo Onadeko Ogunyannwo mni

I have always read about Professor Akin Mabogunje, a quintessential gentleman in the news but did not connect him to my friend Sade Ogunsola until my daughter Denike met Sade’s son Akin and in talking to him found out that Prof. Mabogunje is Sade’s father. It was really a joy that we became in-laws through the marriage of Denike and Akin.

When Daddy and his darling wife were in England when Denike had her baby, it gave me the opportunity to spend some hours of fun...stories...lots of laughter with both of them. I saw in him a man of deep knowledge but with a great sense of humor

To a great family man, erudite scholar, National icon, Kunle and I say Adieu; take your well deserved rest in the bosom of your maker.

Tribute to the First of Firsts and an Academic Icon!

I join the academics world wide and other Nigerian and International personalities, especially the spatial brothers and sisters to commiserate with the family of Mabogunje for the demise of Prof. Akin Mabogunje. It was so shocking and heartbreaking to hear the news of your death. It is my prayer that the Lord consoles all, and may He accept your soul in His paradise, Amen.

Dr. Chris Ifeanyi Onwuadiochi
Department of Geography and Meteorology
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Tribute to a Spatial Brother.
Your demise left a vacum that will be difilcult to fill. The death of a loved one is a painful one irrespective of the age, i pray that God console the Magobunje family and give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. To your spatial family, may they be comforted with your iconic impact during your lifetime.
May the angels lead you to paradise.

I commiserate with the entire family on the departure of our Prof. May the Lord almighty console you at this trying time and grant his soul a perfect resting perpetual peace

The Mabogunje Family,

CONDOLENCE

I write to commiserate with you on the transition to eternity of the patriarch of the Mabogunje family and an elder statesman, Professor Akin Mabogunje, which occurred a few days ago.

The death of Professor Mabogunje is definitely not your loss alone, it has left humanity poorer. As the first African president of the International Geographical Union, he showed the way for black people everywhere; and as a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences, the message he passed was that the black man could effectively lead the world anywhere and in any capacity. I congratulate you for having him as father.

The late Professor was hugely successful in public service as he was in private life. He distinguished himself as a public servant and creditably discharged himself as an administrator. He left indelible impressions of himself as a man of gold. He was at home with the high and the low; he discriminated against none. He was a very good man.

While we mourn the departure of this great Nigerian, may I, on behalf of my wife, Omolola and our children, pray God to grant his soul eternal rest and give all of you, the entire family he left behind, the fortitude to bear this huge loss.

PRINCE OLAGUNSOYE OYINLOLA
Former Governor, Osun State
Former Military Administrator, Lagos State

The passing of Professor Mabogunje should touch every Nigerian, every African and indeed, the developing world. As his student in the graduating class of June 1966, I and many destitute students benefitted from the student work study program he urged the department set up to help us financially. As a Consultant to Economic Development Institute (EDI), a sister organization of the World Bank, he contributed enormously to economic policies EDI recommended to member countries. He later brought this to DIFFRI, to enhance food production in Nigeria. He was the kind of supervisor an aspiring academic looked up to. He administered by consensus and inclusiveness. May he rest in perfect peace!

Indeed life is transient. Professor Mabogunje was a teacher, a mentor and an advocate for the ordinary person, particularly in the informal sector. For example, his work on Institutional Radicalisation would transform governance and society for the better. His work will continue to live forever and our memories of him will remain indelible.

A tribute to a development Icon; professor Akin Mabogunje. I joined Baba's NGO named FDI in 2006.as a Researcher. It took me only one attendance at meeting to realise his inestimable worth in promoting development.Baba analysed factors of development so well that nobody could question his knowledge of them and their relevance in
Nigeria's efforts.Baba was kind and showed concern for the welfare of his workers. He often welcomed us from the field with e ku ise o.This prompted me to work harder anytime there was a study to undertake. There is no doubt that we will all miss him as individuals and Nigeria particularly in his wish for everyone to have a roof over his head. I told him at Abuja that I would attend his centenary but alas we have no control over death. Adieu Baba.you deserve a pleasant rest after working so hard. Professor Lara Olusi.

Tribute by Arc. Segun Enigbokan (Cousin in-law)

Professor Akin Mabogunje was a family man to the core
He was usually referred to as Papa Sade by we members of the wife's family Justice (Mrs)Titi Mabogunje. I referred to him as family man because most of us usually spent our holiday with the family. As a matter of fact, he would ask each of us how we were fairing in our schools.
He was always inquiring about our plans for the future and he was always ready to render assistance if one performed well in the examination.
He so much believed in hard work before rendering any help. He would always give one genuine advise on issues brought before him.
I could remember vividly when i then obtained visiting visa to Germany with the intention of gaining admission to a university over there, he was bluntly against undertaking such journey but honestly it was later I appreciated his advise after gaining admission into one of the institutions in USA.. William Shakespeare in one of his books says, and i quote: " All the world is a stage, and all the men and women are merely players that have their exits and their entrances, and one man at his time plays many parts".
Professor Akin Mabogunje was an epitome of hard work, very firm in decision-taking, highly industrious, he was an accomplished businessman and an international man per excellence.
Death, where is thy strength, as you have taken away our renown geography professor. We have solace in the words of God, which says "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."
May his gentle soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to part no more

Tribute to my Uncle
My uncle, Prof A. L. Mabogunje was a soft spoken man. I never saw him intemperate. My parents spoke of him with very high regard. He and auntie were regular visitors to our home at number 1 Oduduwa road, University of Ibadan and later when we moved to Kongi, Bodija. They were always ever present at all the different milestones: my wedding, children’s naming ceremonies and most recently at my daughter’s traditional wedding.
As children, there was regular interaction between the two families, our houses were within walking distance when we lived on campus and even after both families moved to Bodija in Ibadan. The consequence of which was that my siblings and I, and the Mabogunje children spent a lot of time playing together, probably more so than with any other family. The university community then was safe, such that we had access to a variety of activities such as cycling, climbing trees, swimming at the staff club and just generally having fun. Uncle and auntie were very liberal so we got away with a lot things, and we really enjoyed going to their house. This reminds me of a particular incident, when uncle had just bought this brand new Mercedes Benz. Shortly after, my brother Toks Fayemi and his son Seun decided to take the car for a spin during the summer break (they were Uni students at the time) while uncle was out. (Toks) happily hopped into the car with him and they (according to their unofficial story) were on their way to visit a female Uni acquaintance. On their way driving past Agodi Gardens, they lost control of the car and it rolled over the embankment and crashed into the valley. Of course the car was a write-off. I remember following the two mothers to the scene of the accident where they both broke down and thanked God Almighty for sparing the lives of their sons who both escaped unhurt. However, Seun (uncle's son) had not gone back home. Uncle and auntie calmly came to ask my brother if he was hiding him. Toks was trembling when he tried to convince them that he didn’t know his whereabouts. One would have thought his dad would be furious, but he wasn’t at all. He simply said “if you find out where he is tell him we love him and he should come home”. The point here being that I still don’t remember my uncle losing it. Such was his control.

My career as an Educationist today was also facilitated by him when he recommended me for a position as one of the foundation lecturers at the Ogun State University. My favourite auntie (his wife) made my stay at Ijebu Ode a memorable one. I am praying that God continues to bless her abundantly. My heart really goes out to her because she has lost her husband of over 60+ years. I saw them as a model couple. May the Lord comfort her and keep her strong for many more years in good health, Amen. To Sade, Seun, Gboyega, Bimpe and Sola, We commiserate with you all. Your dad was a man of excellence, an erudite professor, a wise man and most importantly a wonderful and loving father.
He served his country diligently and his far-reaching work benefited all, from the grassroots to the influential and political leaders of our country.
Uncle, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord.
From your niece
Bukie Ogunbekun (nee Fayemi) on behalf of the Fayemi Family

Almen/Rotterdam 17th August 2022

Dear Titi,

Today we received the news of the passing of Akin from his niece Lola. What a sad news, but at the same time, 90 is an age where this can be expected.
We hope he did not suffer but left this earth in peace.
For you it must be very hard to miss your beloved husband after having been together such a long time.

We both have such fond memories of Akin (and you), Emiel also work-related and Madeleen more socially related. Our children called Akin their African grandfather and were always very happy when he came to visit us in Rotterdam. We still remember the first time you both came in 1996 and our son Olivier (then 10 year) was playing a game on the tv with a friend. You commented on this and were invited to join the game – you were both hopeless (as we were) – but we all had a good laugh.

On that visit we also took both of you on a Sunday morning drive to visit several of the Dutch reformed villages around Rotterdam with the carefully and seriously dressed villagers walking all the way to church. You both expressed surprise that they were not allowed to use the car or bicycle or do anything else on the Sunday.

We also remember how Akin always came by himself to our house in Rotterdam, telling us that when he arrived on Rotterdan Central Station he would go to the metro and then seeing the names of the stations, remember the station which was near us. And he would arrive at our doorstep, very proud of himself that he had done it again!

I (Madeleen) saw both of you the last time in april 2014 when I was in Nigeria on mission and came to visit you in Ibadan. It was just before Easter and you took me to your church early morning and I was so impressed with the beautiful sermon that was given. It was such a joy to be with you for a couple of days and visit some of the places that were important to you (university and house where you lived, projects that you supported).

I (Emiel) first met Akin when I was Programme Coordinator for the UN/World Bank's global Urban Management Programme and Akin was chair of its Advisory Committee. I was so happy with Akin’s capable, affable and committed attitude and soon regarded Akin as a friend, much more than just a ‘chair’. 

Upon our return to The Netherlands and when I had joined the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (HIS) as its director and with IHS being part of the SAIL programme, I suugested to SAIL that Akin be invited on its International Projects Advisory Board to represent the African point of view on urban development in the Board. In that capacity Akin visited the SAIL institutes, including IHS, several times and we (as a family) were so happy to be able to see Akin so many times. 

We feel that a pillar of strength, commitment, humor and love throughout the years has left us. He has meant much to the African and international urban development cause and to us as a family.

May he rest in peace. All our love, also to your children and grandchildren

Emiel and Madeleen Wegelin

I am fortunate to have known Professor Akin Mabogunje not just professionally but also in personal capacity. He took over from Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, a well-known industrialist as Chairman of the Nigerian Council for Management Development in the 70s, which oversaw the Centre for Management Development which my father, Solomon Odia headed. My father often referred to his Chairman in discussions.

He was also a best friend of my father-in-law, Professor Ojetunji Aboyade and I would often meet him at my wife’s family home in Ibadan, where both had been university lecturers.

On arrival in Abuja in 2002 as Director of Habitat for Humanity International’s Nigeria programme, it did not take me long to hear of his prominence within the housing sector and the vast reform that he and his team were called upon to undertake under the Obasanjo administration. He was highly respected and it was obvious that while housing was not his initial discipline, he had mastered the issues and was able to bear upon them his deep knowledge and understanding of urban matters. Prof. was much, much more than a Geography professor!

Professor Mabogunje stood as a colossus and yet he was never too busy to answer to seemingly mundane queries. I remember once phoning him, quite out-of-the-blues to receive further understanding on a housing-related matter. Right there and then, he proceeded to give me a long lecture that more than satisfied my curiosity. He was a great communicator and despite his deep knowledge, was able to break things down so that even a toddler could understand!

He will be sorely missed, not only by the Housing Sector in Nigeria but also by those of us who had the privilege of relating to him on a more personal basis.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

SAM ODIA
Chief Executive
Milard Fuller Foundation

The great Doyen 
The horizon is gloomy.
The Pioneer is gone!

The life of a stream,
Watering and nurturing both stout and team.

Showing forth the light,
Passing the might!
Supporting generations and leaving behind timeless footprints

The Lion has departed, his pride is concocted.
Resolute that his deeds would continue in the great beyond,
And some day, a peep from there above,
His vision for Africa is actualised.

A brighter dawn has cast!

Dr. Omoayena Odunbaku
Human Settlements Officer,
UN-Habitat
+254720974875
odunbakuomoh@gmail.com

Prof Akin Mabogunje, came, he saw, and he conquered. May his soul go on to rest in the bossom of Our Lord Jesus Christ Amen.
In my limited contact with him I have three take aways.
1. Don't keep away from your leaders even if they are stupid, you might just be able to limit the effect of their stupidity, as their actions will ultimately affect you.
2. Women, daughters have a civilizing influence and that must guide you all the time, in relationships with ladies.
3. Academic examinations are not just a test of your knowledge, but actual warfares between you and the examiner. Coming out tops, is a function of the arsenals you prepare from your wide body of knowledge and how you deploy them in the battle front (exams)
To God be the glory for a life of service Amen.

            MEMORIES OF UNCLE AKIN MABOGUNJE
            by Mo Adekunle Enigbokan, Professor of Pharmacology and
            Toxicology


Eons ago, in a Shakesperean setting, Cassius posed the question, "Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus....?" Well, with respect to Uncle Akin Mabogunje, may I submit that he bestrode the narrow world like a Colossus because he was a magnetic, magnificent and magnanimous academic giant who led a pristine, tremendously productive life that was brimful of trailblazing achievements. His indelible positive impact on humanity will continue to live after him.

A fortnight ago, in the Internet era, this third rock from the sun, lost a great philanthropist, a fierce fighter for equality and justice, a compassionate commander in academic and social circles, a kind-hearted, pleasant soul, an insightful and empathetic human being. His altruistic and empathetic nature was evinced in his involvement in the activities of the Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Reduction. To paraphrase Mark Anthony in Shakesperean Julius Caesar, 'for when the poor had cried, Uncle Akin had wept." That's compassion ! That's empathy !

As any mere mortal who was privileged to have spent a moment with him would attest, Prof. Akin Mabogunje was indubitably wise, intelligent, loving, understanding, faithful and soulful. His debonairness and equableness were only rivaled by his egalitarianism, equanimity and self-abnegation. A moralist who decried licentious and corrupt practices, a paladin for everything righteous and fair, he preached sunny optimism and implored the eschewal of pungent cynicism.

I spent many such moments with you, Prof, and I am eternally grateful for each and everyone of them. I am grateful for your generosity and the open arms with which you welcomed me, my siblings and my other cousins to your place of abode on the campus of University College, Ibadan, whenever we visited, often unannounced, during our Elementary and High School days. I am grateful for your role, perhaps unbeknownst to you, in expanding my mind through the pile of novels, political, historical and philosophical books that you stocked your Study room with; I voraciously devoured their contents and tenets, albeit silently and secretly. The synthesis of my lexiconic armamentarium commenced then.

In the days of yore, you acquainted me with the game of Tennis when you were living on Amina Way on UI campus and I had my very first horse-riding experience at your residence on UI campus. In my later years, every time I visited the farm in Clinton, Maryland, USA where I went horseback riding just for fun, I remembered you fondly. 

As a wide-eyed, overly inquisitive youngster, and that was many moons ago if I might hint, I gleaned from your telephone conversations ( not eavesdropping since I was in plain view ) and I observed from your face-to-face causeries with colleagues, your superior leadership, management and problem-solving skills. When thrust into leadership positions, as you often were, owing to your unmistakable and revered ingenuity, even when you were the ultimate decision-maker, you did not rule by fiat. You did not demand fealty, you did not covet obsequiousness, you did not mandate blind loyalty to you as the decision-maker. Your modus operandi was never in the vein of l'etat est moi
( I'm the State; I do what I want ), no, not at all. Instead, you encouraged consensus-building, you favoured attentively listening to various opinions from stakeholders before expressing the courage of one's convictions.

Rather than objurgate, fustigate or castigate lower echelon personnel who erred, you characteristically professionally made them realize their errors and instructed or guided them towards the rectification of the errors. However, when the occasion warranted it, you were stern, strong, resolute, decisive and declarative. Recognizing when to push and when to pull is an uncommon leadership trait with which you were abundantly endowed, but which a precious few even have an inkling of.

Via your innate inspirational prowess, you made thousands get up; not just to rise but to grow wings and soar to heights of success they never deemed possible. That was no skosh feat! I watched you step out of your sphere of affluence, influence and convenience to catapult other people's children into their orbit of affluence, influence and convenience; and that was so endearing.
I admired you for paving the path for other people's children to attain a state of tranquility, ataraxia and aponia; of such attainment is happiness made.
Being an undisputed eminence grise of education, you caused the metamorphosis of many a student from invisible to invincible and the entire academic community is thankful to you for that.

The pedestal upon which we place you has room for only one humanoid and you have admirably and majestically occupied the space. Epigones will come along, copycats will abound, imitators may surface, but there will ALWAYS be ONLY ONE Professor Akin Mabogunje; often imitated, never duplicated!

Once to every man and woman comes a moment to depart this sinful world. Yours has come and you have answered the inevitable, inescapable call. Paraphrasing, you "have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" ( John 17:4b ) and you accomplished your assigned task so gloriously, so lovingly, so heroically, so splendidly. As you ascend the staircase to Heaven to take your rightful place among the shinning stars, I bid you farewell, dear Uncle, and
Requescat In Pace !

RE: EXIT OF AN ICON – PROF. AKINLAWON LADIPO MABOGUNJE

I came to know Prof. Akin Mabogunje almost about fifteen years ago. Though any student in the built-industry profession would have come in contact with this erudite Professor through his various writings on Town Planning, Housing Policy, Urban Planning, Land Reform, Housing finance etc.

My direct contact with Prof. Akin Mabogunje was professional when the Adeola Odutola Tyresole factory at Oke-Ado, Ibadan went out of production. I wrote a proposal to the Adeola Odutola Industries which was then not fully comprehended by Prof (Mrs.) Oyinade Odutola-Olurin (OFR). Thereafter, I was introduced to Prof. Akin Mabogunje by Chief S.P.A. Ajibade. I re-presented this proposal to him when he was the Chairman of the Adeola Odutola Industries.

He later called me for a defense of the proposal which was given approval on recommendation to the Board. And today, the Old Adeola Odutola Tyresole factory Oke-Ado, Ibadan has been converted to a neighbourhood Shopping mall and a warehousing logistics. It was a success glory. It is one of my cherished professional achievements in practice but I give all credit and deep appreciation to Professor Akin Mabogunje.

Biyi Adesanya & Co., Estate Surveyors and Valuers have thereafter benefitted from other referrals from him both in Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode. Prof. Mabogunje is not only a well-known and renowned academician but also a professional to the core and a revered family man. His achievements both nationally and internationally are well recognized. His autobiography – A measure of Grace gives the study of a man “who believes and for the realization of the Nigerian dream of greatness”

Though Prof. Akin Mabogunje has now joined the triumphant angels, definitely, his life would continue to challenge future generations for integrity, dedication, service to humanity and patriotism because he lived and left behind noble and indelible legacies to the academics and the professional built environment. 

On behalf of the Principal Partner and Management Staff, Biyi Adesanya & Co., we send our heartfelt condolence to the entire family. We pray that God Almighty will give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace (Amen)

Yours faithfully,
BIYI ADESANYA & CO.



BIYI ADESANYA
Principal Partner

One would wish that uncommonly brilliant and exceptionally nice people like Professor Mabogunje should live forever.
Knowing Prof and working for him was indeed very pleasurable. He was always amenable to professional advise and will always assent to my suggestion with the remark “you do that”.
May God grant his soul eternal rest, comfort and strengthen his family and all of us who mourn his demise. Amen.

     TRIBUTE ON PROFESSOR AKIN MABOGUNJE:
     A DIVINELY ENDOWED “VESSEL OF HONOUR”

Professor Akin Mabogunje, no doubt, is a household name in Nigeria, who is highly acknowledged as one of the foremost Academicians internationally. Hardly would one pass through the University of Ibadan, regardless of the student’s discipline, without knowing or hearing about the erudite Professor of Geography. That was my fortune as a student in the Faculty of Agriculture between 1969 and 1972 during which students of Agriculture had to take a Course in “Climatology” in the Department of Geography. For me, the initial point of getting to know him was at public lectures and debates which were highly intellectual, and fora for enhancing our perceptions of national and international happenings and developments in an era when online information was not available. It was with admiration and respect that I and my colleagues eschew the “all round” Professor.

The opportunity to get very close to ‘a mentor of mentors’ was during my stay as Vice Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Ota between 2006 and 2016 during which time Professor Mabogunje was the maiden Chancellor (2005 – 2015). This gave me an opportunity to learn at the ‘Master’s Feet’. I found it highly amazing for him to discuss and contribute excellently well on any subject under the sun. His contributions to the solid foundation of Bells University of Technology are well captured in the book on the first ten years of Bellstech. That the University has one of the most thriving and formidable University Parents Forum, Bells University Parents Forum (BUPF), in Nigeria is at the instance and contributions of the founding Chancellor. Professor Mabogunje is a repository of knowledge in all facets of administration; and served as a ‘Consultant’, for free, to countless Vice Chancellors. I recollect visiting him in his Ibadan residence for consultation, in a usual father-to-son discussion; and after such, he said jokingly that, “you people just come here to tap my brain”. It was then I got to know that barely less than 30 minutes before my arrival, a former Vice Chancellor in the foremost Nigerian University just left his residence. Also, I cannot forget his contribution to my valedictory lecture in 2018 when his recorded voice on the subject matter, “Town and Gown”, resonated in the course of the lecture.

“Seest thou a man diligent in his ways, he will stand before kings and not before mean men”. Professor Akin Mabogunje indeed was truly such a man. He had opportunities of being a Vice Chancellor, which he declined. He would rather raise and nurture Vice Chancellors than be one. Apart from his strong and exceptional family values, he was a man imbued with respect, dignity and moral uprightness. He was equally a man who served in the academia, various public and private sectors without blemishes. It will be very remiss of me not to mention that, in spite of his tight schedules, he was able to carry his family successfully along and throughout his career. All in all, he was a man you will meet once and be convinced he radiates with the ‘gift and fruit of the spirit’. To me, he was a vessel of Divine honour, which is “A Measure of Grace”.

May the soul of Professor Akin Mabogunje continue to rest in the bosom of Jesus Christ.

Professor Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi, FAS, FNIFST
Immediate Past Vice Chancellor,
Bells University of Technology, Ota

TRIBUTE TO “PROF.”
I GOT TO KNOW PROFESSOR AKIN MABOGUNJe, Prof. as we fondly called him, when I joined the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in 2007. At that time, Prof was the Chairman of the Presidential Technical Board set up to restructure the Bank. The Board had commenced a recruitment exercise and I had applied for the position of a Legal Adviser and was invited for the interview. Some family members advised me not to waste my time travelling to Abuja to attend the interview as the advertisement was a mere formality to fulfill all righteousness. They said this is Nigeria where nepotism is the norm. Nevertheless, I decided to attend the interview and, lo and behold, I got the job without going through anyone. This is just one of the several experiences of Prof’s transparency and integrity.
I subsequently became Board Secretary and Legal Adviser and was privileged to work more closely with Prof. The Board introduced improved benefits for directors and yet did not benefit because Prof. was of the view that they were performing a civic duty. His disregard for material things was well known as we often heard stories of customers who tried to offer him gifts leaving in embarrassment. Prof. as everyone knew was highly intellectual and yet humble. He was a perfect gentleman – polite and courteous using the phrases “Please” and “Thank you” with a smile and correcting one in a soft tone. I admired and respected him a great deal and thus even after we had both left the Bank, I strove to maintain my relationship with him by the annual festive season telephone calls and messages; and being the gentleman he was, he would return any missed calls.
I pray Prof’s soul rests in peace in the bosom of the Lord. Eternal rest grant him O lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.
Adieu Prof.
Dr. Adeola Owodunni

Baba as we fondly called him since I came to work with him when he was the Executive Chairman of the Development Policy Center, Ibadan and the President of the Foundation for Environmental Development and Initiatives was a different kind of man. An academic giant and scholar per excellence. He cherished knowledge acquisition and disemination like life. He knew everything and was willing both to share and to teach. The beautiful thing about him is that in spite of his vast knowledge, he joyfully allowed the young ones to fly. A wise and thoughtful man, he made us to think and work for the challenges confronting the marginalized. He would say: what do you think can be done for the retirees? This was the begining of the contributory pension scheme as he put a scholar to work on it. How do we check the continuous economic poverty in cities? This gave birth to the Ijebu Ode initiatives on poverty reduction. And many more. A very loving and kind man. Those of us who fell into the category of his "Grand Students" he treated like his own Grand children. A man with a Grand global reputation although this got many of us in to trouble. Ones you are from him you are expected to know and be intelligent. This forced us to read and became better. He will tell you when you complain: don't mess me up there. In Australia, USA, every where, it was like that. Baba as we call you, Chairman as Professor Abumere called you, you lived a good, worthy, prosperous and exemplary life but I still have this feeling of loss. We will miss your wisdom, your vision, your liove, and tutelage. Adieu and rest in perfect peace. Professor Oluwemimo Oluwasola, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Tribute by Prof. (Mrs) Bisi Sowunmi

He indeed was an outstanding and greatly talented man, widely acclaimed and honoured locally and internationally. Yet he remained a very jumble, modest, soft-spoken, charismatic Christian gentleman-- an admirable and devoted family man, and one who laboured to make the country a better place to live in, while locally in his hometown, Ijebu Ode, he was one of the ardent operators of poverty reduction programme.
There goes a man of excellence and selfless and self-effacing apostle of a better life for all. A committed follower of Christ, who also nurtured all.his children in the way of the Lord. Whence comes another?
He is already in eternal bliss with his Lord and Saviour.
May God continue to uphold and console his beloved wife, Justice Titi Mabogunje (rtd.), the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, the rest of his family, colleagues and friends.

A tribute to our cousin, Professor Akin Mabogunje:

In writing this piece i kept dilly-dallying, nay confused..... for how does one capture the essence of essence itself?
I had a rude but indelible introduction to the giant stature of my much older cousin, Prof Mabogunje, in my form one at Government College Ibadan by one of our most reverred teachers a Mr Adelaja ("Young Ade") our Mathematics teacher. He would boom "you must know Maths and become successful in life like your uncle Professor Akin Mabogunje whom i know very well". My dear uncle, suffice it to say you and our darling Auntie, your jewel, Mama Justice Mabogunje (Rtd) positively influenced and encouraged my wife, Onikepo and i, during the last four decades. You stood by us and you were a shining light that never dimmed until the call of your Creator came on the 4th day of August 2022.
Our very dear uncle, you are unforgettable. Your unique voice and memory linger on in the hearts of Onikepo and i. Uncle, you have had a good inning and deservedly gone to rest...

Rest in the bosom of your Lord.

Laja and Onikepo Atewologun

My lovely and adorable father, l thank you so much for loving and accepting me as your own. What l am today, is because of you and Mummy.
You made me to to love learning and l never stop doing just that.
I remember the day l played prank on Mama, because l did not want to go to school that day. I told her that l was not feeling well. But, when you heard, l, you told me to get ready in mins. Since, then, l have never missed school.
Thank you for visiting me in Glasgow and Surrey whenever you came to Britain.
Daddy, l love your words of wisdom about wealth and life, being honest in all things and the importance of hard work.
You are always kind and grateful for things done to you. Always saying thank you even to the drivers and for making your meals, even though you provided it all.
You are a man of honour, both in life and in death. You are highly regarded, yet , yet you humble your self.
Daddy, you will be greatly missed by us all.
Su re, papa mi owon.

I met Prof and Justice Mabogunje in Port Harcourt sometime in 1986/87 when they came to visit their daughter, Bimpe, who was on NYSC posting and was living with me at the time. Prof Mabogunje commanded respect. You cannot see him without immediately recognizing his respectable personality. He didn’t say much to me but his presence was quite noticeable.

My first impression has never been tainted as he remained one of the few ethical Nigerian public servants who I have never read or heard any untoward information about. Nigeria has lost a respectable elder statesman.

May his gentle and respectable soul Rest In Peace Amen.

My sincere condolences to his family especially Mummy Mabogunje. God comfort you all. May the Holy Spirit fill the vacuum created by his departure to his permanent residence. 

A Tribute to my BEST Boss
A friend of yours brought me to you to work as your secretary, he told me not to look at the salary you will pay me, but to take it as an opportunity to work with an Icon and a very respected man in the Society. I hold on to those word and on the 3rd of January 2018 I met you in person and I have never regretted working with you. Immediately, you encourage me to take a form and go back for my HND even why working with you,and that same year I took the form and to God be the Glory am now a graduate. 
The Bible say no one is perfect, but Daddy was the best Boss I never had. I never got tired going to office everyday because I keep on learning from you every blessed day .
Even when I got married in 2019, and my husband lives in different state, I still decided to stay and work with you.
Who will call me Ruuuuuuth again in Daddy's voice.
Mrs Ruth Itodo
Daddy's Secretary

Short Tribute To My Late Brother :
Prof. Akinlawon Oladipo Mabogunje.
HE MADE HIS LIFE COUNT
= HE IS A GIVER =
My Big Brother, Prof. Akinlawon Oladipo Mabogunje is the first son but the fourth child of Pa and Mama J O Mabogunje. Many things had been written and spoken about Prof. Mabogunje; he is everything everyone says about him. But please, there is this part of him that is seemingly very silent. He is a GIVER by every letter of the word. He made his life count, to the Nation, to the Continent even to the World. He was not a pleaser of men but a server of men. Starting from his 'Jerusalem ' he was the rallying point of the family get together, the soft spoken wisdom (sage) of the family. He served many generations of Nigerian' leaders in government; he served, Continentally, he served Globally, he served person to persons and more so, he served God to the best of his understanding. I am a sincere witness to one of the humblest man that I know. I am the last born of his father's fourteenth child in his generation. I testify, "he made his life count"--"he is a giver" in his own words he said it is just "A measure of Grace". Adieu Brother, we missed you already, Good Night !!!, we will see you in the Morning !!!

Rev. Dr. J O T Mabogunje.

A.L Mabogunje (Prof), I MOURN YOUR DEPARTURE
I am grateful to God to have made it possible for me to come in contact with Prof while working for First Interstate Merchant Bank/First Interstate Bank Plc with Prof as chairman.
Being the first Branch Manager of the bank with the bank branch in Abuja and arising from the mandate to source and ensure that marketing targets were met. While marketing, I got to an office in Abuja, and after several visits God favoured me before the Finance & Administration Director,D(F&A), and Prof. D(F&A) said that I should invite my chairman,Prof Mabogunje to speak with the FCDA Minister to be able to release the funds.
You could imagine my predicaments, that I needed to speak with my chairman was a challenge for me. I now devised a means of speaking first with my GM, Mr. Omosona who spoke with him on my behalf. Guess what, Prof requested for my number and he called me directly and later instructed me to be calling him in case there was any challenge.
Prof visited Abuja and asked that I should go to the Minister with him.
When we were about to move and I went to sit in the front, Prof asked me to sit with him at the back.
With his influence and support my first N500m deposit came in. Also in Porthacourt he was instrumental to the deposit of N1.5bn. As highly placed as the Chairman was, he often came to my level and most times would share pleasantries with me on our return from marketing.
He was humble and highly loved by the staff.
Quite a lot will continue to miss him, including those that may read later about his works.
Adieu Daddy, Adieu Prof, Adieu my Chairman.
May the good Lord console us all.

"Sweet is the memory of the righteous"

Daddy Akin Mabogunje you lived a life that touched many lives! Every minute spent with you was always filled with laughter and joy. Your sincere and genuine love for everyone was unparallel. As a family we will never forget your unwavering love, support and encouragement especially when we were going through the storms and challenges of life. You and aunty stood firmly by us and we remain eternally grateful to both of you. We will never forget our many visits to your home in Ibadan and how you always welcomed and treated us like a VIP. We will always remember how without fail you would on every visit to the UK call those of us who reside there to let us know you have arrived in the UK and would ask to see us to find out how we are faring. As a family we are truly blessed to have lived life with you and you will be so missed. We join others to celebrate your beautiful life, a life of love, humility, contentment and excellence.

May your beautiful soul rest peacefully.

The Fapohunda Family

Dearest Uncle, I know you are up in heaven and I love you and miss you very much and can’t stop thinking about how you have impacted my life, not only as an Uncle or the head of the family but as a constant example of industry, integrity, leadership, philanthropy and devotion to family.

Indeed your shadow loomed large, guiding me in my every choice, when the lure of following the crowd, cutting corners, taking the expedient route, looked so appealing, I would think to myself “Rántí omó eni tí o jé”, what would Prof do?; “He would do the right thing and he would do it right”; so I could do no less.

Thank you for being a great example, truly we stand on the shoulders of giants. I pray that those of us you have left behind will continue to make you proud and maintain the great legacy you’ve left behind.

Rest well till we meet again.

Prof Mabogunje was a remarkable intellectual, an amazing teacher and mentor. We met on the platform of the Awolowo Leadership Foundation but he also took great interest in me and my career. When I launched my book: “Rich Country Poor People” in Lagos, 2014 he came all the way from Lagos despite the bad road. It was unforgettable as his presence energized the event which has governors, Dr. Dosunmu-Awolowo & the current VP in attendance. RIP dear Prof.

Hoping we have more institutions like him in the field of Geography. Rest in Peace Sir.

I celebrate the life of a man of great intellect who was generous of heart and spirit. He shared his knowlege liberally, and was a worthy mentor and true inspiration.
Rest in perfect peace Professor Akin Mabogunje. Yours was a life of service and great grace.

Taibat Lawanson
University of Lagos. 

We express our heart felt condolences to the Mabogunje family. May the good Lord bless and comfort you. Our late mother was mentored by Professor Mabogunje on her professional journey as a Town Planner. May he rest in eternal peace.

The Yunusa Family.

Truly, there are legends in this world and I must say "you are one of the few".
It was during my NCE at EACOED that I first heard the name Prof. Mabogunje in our geography class, ever since then, my interest and love for geography has been on another level totally.
Though I wasn't chanced to meet you physically, yet you have impact my knowledge with the great works you did as far as geography is concern. Hardly will a semester go during my studies in University of Ibadan that I won't learn about the contribution of Prof. Mabogunje. Regional planning, Urbanization and even Geographic Information System (LOML) would not permit me to forget who Prof. Mabogunje is.
You are gone but your memory lives on even to generations to come except Geography does not exist again in Nigeria. No one can put on this shoe you left behind, so it's better kept in the museum for generations to see but God helping me, I will try my possible best to makes impact as such too. You are an inspiration sir and this I respect.

Rest well sir,
I pray God uphold the family.

Professor Mabogunje had been a father figure to me. He advised the federal government of General Ibrahim B. BABANGIDA on the establishment of the Urban Development Bank of Nigeria PLC in 1992. I was appointed General Nanager, Lagos Regional office of the Bank, in charge of all the states in the southern part of Nigetia upto Kwara state.
Due to the newness if the Bank, Prof. Mabogunje spent a lot of his time offering my staff and I series of advise on how best to operate the bank in discharging its twin functions as a Development Agency and as a Financial Institution.
He remained my close adviser and a source of inspiration throughout my tenure as Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Housing Authority from 1999 to 2001.
It was my privilege to have recommended him for the award of the Honourary Doctorate Degree of the Federal University of Technology, Minna two years ago.

TRIBUTE TO AN INTELLECTUAL GIANT AND A GREAT PATRIOT

With the passing away of Professor Akin Mabogunje, Nigeria has lost one of the best among her few acknowledged patriots. According to a friend with whom I often chat through social media, death reveals a man's greatness. So it is about Professor Mabogunje.

Prof, as he was fondly called by colleagues, students, and mentees, was a world-class geographer,an international scholar with seminal/prodigious ideas, and a distinguished development policy initiator.

Nigeria as a nation benefitted immensely from ideas emanating from his fertile mind. Professor Mabogunje was responsible for the establishment of a few purpose –specific governmental institutions such as the Peoples Bank, Community Bank, Urban Development Bank, and DFRRI. In the housing sector, he left his footprints by facilitating the creation of key stakeholders: two public associations such as REDAN and BUMAN, which are still vibrant to date.

Among his global awards was the prestigious UNHabitat Scroll of Honour in 1998, a commemorative global award in celebration of World Habitat Day designated by the UN. Despite his busy schedule, Professor Mabogunje was a regular Guest Speaker on the themes chosen to mark the global ceremony on the first Monday of October every year whenever he was invited by his adopted and darling Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. 

Professor Mabogunje was humility personified and never given to hubris despite his intimidating scholarship and lollapalooza(extraordinarily impressive) resumè. A father figure to many and demonstrably a man of peace with a gentle mien.

Nigeria's loss is heaven's gain. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of his creator. Adieu to an uncommon intelligentsia.

Tpl.Yacoob Abiodun (Pioneer Secretary, Housing Policy Council, FMWH, Abuja).

Prof Akin Mabogunje was know all over the world as an erudite scholar and a man of great intellectual capacity. I doubt if many knew him as a lover of common man and the down trodden. This quality I found in him when he started Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Reduction IDBPR which metamorphosis into Ijebu Development Initiatives on Poverty Reduction IDIPR.
He translated his academic pursuit to Development of people and creating a better living for people.
Prof has left Ijebu ,Nigeria and the world better than the way he found them . Rest in peace
Brig Gen rtd Lamidi Adebayo Oduwole.

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT SCHOLAR, MENTOR AND A GENERATIONAL LEADER: PROFESSOR AKINLAWON LADIPO MABOGUNJE
It is a trying time for everyone connected to Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje either by birth or by academic and social networking to live with the emergent reality of the demise of their great patriarch, leader and mentor. For me, in particular, I continue to feel the agonies that come with the most untimely, most irreplaceable and most irreparable loss of this great benefactor, whose complete life has been dedicated to the uplift of humanity.
My relationship with Professor Mabogunje spanned fifty years. I never studied under Prof. Akin Mabogunje so I don’t know how he discovered me. However, I became one of his disciples through his academic writings, which were very unique, unparalleled and exceptional in intellectual impact. After obtaining my master’s degree in Air Photo Interpretation for Land use studies at the International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC) Enschede, the Netherlands in 1973, the Department of Geography, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) invited me for an interview for the post of Lecturer II. Professor Udo of the Department of Geography, University of Ibadan was a member of the panel. The interview was to take place at 10 a.m. But I was not called in until 4.00 p.m., and when I was eventually called in, I was asked to leave without any interview. When Professor Akin Mabogunje heard about this development, perhaps through Professor Udo shortly after, he was not happy about it. So when the Department of Geography, University of Ibadan wanted to hire me as a technical person later, Professor Mabogunje, whom I had not met up to that time, felt that would be an unacceptable underutilization of a highly trained personnel.
At a later time in my career at the University of Lagos, Professor Mabogunje one day invited me to join him at the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI). When I did not respond to the invitation immediately, he reported me to the then Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Nurudeen Alao, who then called me to his office. When they asked me why I had not responded to the invitation, I told them that the University of Lagos had just approved my one-year sabbatical leave (9 months in Germany, and three months in Canada), and since I had never enjoyed such leave, I thought I should not miss the opportunity. Professor Mabogunje interjected that people developed the countries that I wanted to go for my sabbatical and he queried me, saying why wouldn’t I like to join him in DFRRI to develop Nigeria.
I was moved by his passion for the development of Nigeria. That was how I dropped the idea and I joined him in DFRRI. I must confirm that I learnt many development and governance issues than I could ever read in any book in my engagement at DFRRI under Professor Mabogunje. He created a wide latitude for me to operate and I became the Head of Unit in charge of the management of DFRRI data and the publication of the Directorate’s reports.
Professor Mabogunje was a bearer of good news to me. On November 13, 2001, he invited me to a workshop in Abuja to speak on Geo-information Technology and Sustainability Science. As I got to Abuja Airport that morning, Professor Mabogunje called to inquire where I was because they were expecting me to have come the previous night. I told him that I had just landed at Abuja Airport and that I was on my way to the venue of the workshop. On getting to Sheraton Hotels and Towers, the venue of the workshop, Professor Akin Mabogunje was waiting for me outside of the hall. And, on getting to him he said, “Congratulations!”. “For what Sir?” I asked. Before answering me, he said, “Have you now dropped your first name ‘Peter’ because of your becoming a Vice-Chancellor?”. Of course I said “No”. He had got wind of my appointment as Vice-Chancellor at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and was congratulating me.
Professor Akin Mabogunje fondly called me Peter, and any time my telephone rang and I had the word Peter, I always knew it would be Professor Mabogunje. He was keenly following my activities in FUTA and as a show of his love towards me and his interest in education, he and his wife Justice Mabogunje attended the convocation ceremonies of the University in 2005 under my Vice-Chancellorship. He was the chairman of the occasion marking my official retirement from the University of Lagos in 2009. At the event, he whispered to me, “Have you got your own house”? When I said “Yes”, he congratulated me. That was how loving he was to me.
Professor Mabogunje nominated me as a member of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reform (PTCLR) in 2009. And, following his voluntary disengagement on his attainment of 80 years of age in 2011, he recommended me to the Federal Government to become the next PTCLR Chairman. He ceaselessly supported me on the assignment and whenever I expressed any frustration, he had a way of smoothing the rough edges. His divine advice has always been that I should document whatever we were doing, believing that, if they do not appreciate it now, someone would appreciate it in future. At 87 years of age in 2018, Professor Mabogunje came to Abuja to attend PTCLR’s dialogue on land reform. I am therefore at pain to note Professor Mabogunje was not able to see a recent book edited by Dr. Akingbade A. O. and Professor Ajala O. A. on Land Administration Reform in Africa: Lessons from Southwestern Nigeria, where the authors dedicated the book to former President Musa Yar’Adua, Professor Akin Mabogunje and my good self.
Beyond being a scholar of uncommon inter-continental repute, Professor Mabogunje was a passionate lover of Nigeria. He spent most of his lifetime seeking solutions to Nigeria’s problems especially those of rural and urban development, urbanization, environmental sustainability, social and economic development, etc. There is no doubt then that the various awards and recognitions given to him by prestigious national and international organisations as well as those conferred on him by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are all well deserved.
His passing into glory at this time is a great loss to Nigeria and many Nigerians. And to me personally, it is, and will remain, a colossal loss. As we battle with the harsh realities of his demise, we get consoled by the fact that the inter-generational legacies he left behind in the academia and national development will continue to immortalize him. What a great builder of men, the humanity has lost!
Ká tó ri erin ó digbó;
ká tó ri Ẹfọ̀n ó dọ̀dàn;
ká tó ri eni bi Prof. Akin Mabogunje;
a to ojo meta o
May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort Mama, the children and members of his extended families.


Emeritus Prof. Peter O. Adeniyi

TRIBUTE TO LATE PROF AKIN MABOGUNJE
      By
  V I Maduka
I had not seen Professor Mabogunje for some time before the party held at Ikeja to celebrate his 90th birthday, in October, 2021. Given his age, it was not surprising that Prof had difficulty recalling the faces and names of some of the guests who came forward to congratulate him where he was seated, gently, with one or two old friends and relatives and, of course, his life partner, Mrs. Justice Mabogunje. But to each guest he gave his old, kind smile, his signature, composed with his entire face, and accompanied with his usual soft, gentle voice: not many people smile so warmly and affectionately, like Prof.

His “age-mates” and associates called him Akin and, apart from his family, perhaps, the rest of us referred to him as “Prof”. I first met Prof in the company of my late friend, Tayo Akpata of the University of Ibadan, and Tayo’s friend, Professor Aboyade, all three of them, UI. Subsequently, I had the privilege of serving with these two Ibadan professors on two separate corporate/advisory bodies. Along with Dr. Michael Omolayole and Dr. Christopher Kolade, for example, he belonged to a formidable pool of highly eloquent intellectuals, from about the 1980’s onwards. They were always being consulted by people at the top in government in Nigeria, from permanent secretaries to heads of government, whether military or civilian, indeed, “reigning” or “ex”.
I witnessed sessions where Prof and his colleagues engaged in heated debates, arguments, but I do not recall that he ever resorted to shouting, nor did I ever see him actually lose his cool. That’s not to say that he never got angry: just that I did not ever see him scream at someone out of anger. During a particular formal meeting where I was present someone, disagreeing strongly with him and his friends, seemed visibly to be trying to make them angry. I watched how Prof kept to the issue, stood his ground, and at the end of that meeting, he and his party withdrew completely from the body. Perhaps, that was the other party’s desire, but what struck me was that Prof never shouted back.
I once came across volumes of work, a tome, that Prof. Mabogunje had produced in his capacity as a renowned geographer, scholar and consultant that he was. It contained a proposal for modernizing the postal address (post code or other) system for the “ancient city”, Ibadan. That scheme was, apparently, never carried out fully. And so, Prof’s home at Ibadan Oluyole, probably, still bears one of those convoluted Ibadan addresses that I used to struggle with there, 60 years ago. And no fault, at all, of his, the renowned and first Nigerian Geography Professor.
We pray that the Lord forgive his sins. And may his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Vincent I. Maduka
August, 2022

Chief Olu. B. Okuboyejo
Obasewa of Ijebu-Ode


I write to commiserate with you and the entire Mabogunje family on the demise of your husband and patriarch; my brother and boss, Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, CON,NMON, CFR.

His demise remains one of the most unquantifiable losses of the Nation in recent time. Baba Mabogunje was a hero whose life transformed the way we see life itself. He made indelible contributions to our conceptual, intellectual and national infrastructures. He bestrode every facet of his life like a colossus, shattered all limiting ceilings and chartered paths that seemed unpassable. His exploits made us realize the abundance of our transformational abilities and social capital which surrounds us. In all, I am consoled by the fulfilled life he lived.

Professor Mabogunje was a patriotic exemplar extraordinaire who never turned down any opportunity to serve his country and local community. Many life-transforming governmental and non-governmental programmes, locally and globally, were borne out of his ingenuity. Baba Mabogunje, despite being a globally celebrated scholar, made timeless contributions to his core constituency, his roots – Ijebu.

I was opportune to work with him in several Institutions in government, church and community but for the purpose of space, I will limit myself to the latter. I was involved in the processes, which he initiated, that culminated in the establishment of the Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR) in 1999. He assiduously and selflessly served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from inception in 1999 until his death. I was privileged to serve under him as a one-time treasurer, Chairman, Board of Directors and Member, Board of Trustees. Professor Mabogunje’s consistent pivotal counsel helped transform IDIPR from being a mere product of an experiment into a globally applauded model that it is today.

Working with him made me realize how much of a gift to humanity he is. Virtually everyone testifies of his integrity, diligence, astute dedication towards work, calm and unassuming demeanor and many other of his outstanding attributes. The Ijebu Community has lost an inestimable gem, but his works will continue to speak well of him multiple generations to come.

My heart and prayers are with you and the family at this time.

PROFESSOR AKINLAWON LADIPO MABOGUNJE, CON, NMON, CFR:
THE COLLOSUS GALLANTLY EXITS

On behalf of the Grand Patron, Trustees, Governing Council and the entire Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR), we want to commiserate with your family on the demise of Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje.

Professor Mabogunje's demise is a huge global loss that cannot be measured. He successfully etched his footprints on the rocks of history through his numerous contributions to academia, nation-building, human development, and poverty reduction, among many others. We are, however, comforted by numerous testimonials of his outstanding developmental achievements on a local, national, and international scale.

Professor Mabogunje excelled greatly in all aspects of his life. He was a resourceful academic and social engineer who raised many high flyers and established numerous development programmes that impacted the lives of thousands of people worldwide. Our Initiative, Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR), a leading National Community-Based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that combats poverty and improves livelihoods, which he initiated and selflessly served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from its inception in 1999 until his death, is one of his immense contributions to humanity. The Initiative, through Baba’s resourceful efforts, grew tremendously from a Community-based NGO into a globally recognized model that is worthy of being replicated across the country and beyond. Indeed, Professor Mabogunje’s exploits remain unquantifiable.

From him, we learned the art of dedication, impeccable character, hard work, diligence and conscientiousness. His timely and fatherly guidance will be sorely missed. Since his demise, we have received multiple heartwarming tributes and testimonials of Baba’s great strides, passion for development, humility and selflessness from Directors, Staff, Stakeholders and Development Partners.

In all, we remain grateful for the opportunity to have shared a part of his life and as well being beneficiaries of his always highly valued wisdom, forthrightness and service to humanity. We pray that God grants the family and the entire nation the fortitude to bear the loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these times.

By Prof Bisi Sowunmi

He indeed was an outstanding and greatly talented man, widely acclaimed and honoured locally and internationally.

Yet he remained a very humble, modest, soft-spoken, charismatic Christian gentleman-- an admirable and devoted family man, and one who laboured to make the country a better place to live in, while locally in his hometown, Ijebu Ode, he was one of the ardent operators of poverty reduction programme.

There goes a man of excellence and selfless and self-effacing apostle of a better life for all. A committed follower of Christ, who also nurtured all.his children in the way of the Lord. Whence comes another?

He is already in eternal bliss with his Lord and Saviour.

May God continue to uphold and console his beloved wife, Justice Titi Manchu(retd.), the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, the rest of his family, colleagues and friends.

By Timi Afanu

Words fail me...

Before I knew he was a Professor or even what a Professor was, I knew him as _Uncle Akin_.
He was my Mother's BIG BROTHER.
He was My Big Uncle... My First Uncle.

His coming to our House in Balham was a BIG EVENT and when he left... It was like the Sun had left and taken the Summer with it.

I heard his Health was failing...
I feel so blessed to have been in his presence in Dec 2019 at the Family Reunion, to have visited (along with Kemi, my Wife) Him and Aunty at Home in Ibadan and to have seen Him in London again last summer.

Uncle Akin..!
The one Man, I know that my Father really and truly had a deep reverence for...
_My Uncle Akin..!_
_My Big Uncle..!_

A Light has Gone...!
A Star is missing from the constellation of our Lives..!

But words fail me...

How do I offer commiserations..? How do I console my Big Aunty and my Darling Cousins..?
How do I greet my Family for this colossal loss, with _words_... So, so inadequate.

My Uncle to Me was 10-Men-One... I honestly do not know anyone more accomplished.
He was the _Pinnacle_, the _Beacon of Achievement_ to me, *The North Star*.

Words Fail Me..!

RIPP Uncle Akin..!

By Professor Olayinka Balogun

He lived a very good and enviable life that I am still proud of as his Geography student in the late sixties. He was a Professor that made me proud when I was a graduate student in The University of Wisconsin-Madison where the Chairman of the Department told me that they wanted him desperately to join their geography faculty  in the seventies.

In the University College, London in 1980/81 where I was a Visiting Research Fellow in the University College, London for six months, the Department of Geography was proud to inform me that Prof Mabogunje was a Fellow of the The University College London (a rare honour).
The Geography world has definitely lost a colossus.

May his Soul rest in perfect peace and May God give him a comfortable place in heaven.
My prayer to his family is for God almighty to give you the fortitude to absorb the shock arising from his departure. May God be with all members of his family. IJN I pray.

By Adeyemi Adefulu, MFR

The death of Professor Akin Mabogunje yesterday brought back to mind the era of honor and great promise in Nigerian affairs. I first saw Professor Mabogunje on the new WNTV/WNBS in the early days of television broadcasting teaching geography. This must have been about 1961/62. My youthful mind was very impressed.

A most resourceful academic, thinker and social engineer, Akin Mabogunje bestrode the world like a colossus.Originally a geographer, he metamorphosed into social engineering and a deep reflector and builder. Let me name just one, original, earth-shaking project. When the respected Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona,Ogbagba the second, was concerned about the unengaged youths in Ijebuland and the danger they portended for the polity,it was to Prof Mabogunje that the community turned for a solution.He, ingeniously, I came up with a poverty alleviation project called Ijebu District Poverty Alleviation Program IDIPR which today, from a humble beginning and excellent husbandry, has become a world beater. It created an aquacultural project which turned many youth, men, women and pensioners into aquaculture. Today, because of this project, many youths were redeemed and prosperity was established. Ogun State is the biggest in aquaculture in Nigeria because of this project. The venture has also extended to other areas of agriculture and other ventures. It’s credit scheme has enjoyed 98% recovery. Any debtor who did not pay had the Awujale at his doorstep or his father’s! The IDIPR is a home grown solution using the estuaries of the several rivers flowing through ijebuland into the lagoon and tapping heavily on the proverbial Ijebu entrepreneurial spirit. The IDIPR has been so successful that several states have been visiting to copy it. When many NGOs received loans from the Federal Government during the presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the IDIPR was the only one which went back at due date to make repayment! OBJ was so stunned by the exemplary performance that he ordered that the loan be turned into a grant!

The IDIPR represents a people desirous of helping themselves. It is now enjoying a lot of multi lateral funding from several countries.It is also now recognized by the World Bank as the Ijebu model of poverty alleviation. It stands for the value and virtue, decency and credibility of our people.

Professor Mabogunje was truly an exceptional man. He was a world beater,a consummate professional, competent to the hilt, one of the last titans from the Ibadan school of scholars, public administrators,professionals, artisans, artists, public servants and businessmen who showed the light to this country in multiple areas of endeavor. These ones served their generation and they served well.

The elements were so well mixed in the late Professor Mabogunje. He was an erudite, shy, self effacing person and a family man per excellence and a gentleman. His wife retired as a judge of the Ogun State High Court and they were blessed with very accomplished children. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.