Emeritus professor Jeyifo honoured, laid to rest
The event was not only colourful; it was indeed a display of colours and solidarity at Jeyifo Street, Oke Bola, Ibadan home of the late Emeritus Professor Biodun Jeyifo. At
The event was not only colourful; it was indeed a display of colours and solidarity at Jeyifo Street, Oke Bola, Ibadan home of the late Emeritus Professor Biodun Jeyifo.
At about 7:30am, family members, friends and associates gathered at TOS Funeral, Oke Ado, Ibadan to catch a glimpse of the restful, but formerly vibrant and energetic Jefiyo.
The event was the lying in state of the late scholar. The solidarity could be felt, as members of the National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pirate Confraternity, were out in their full regalia to showcase and honour one of their legends.
The association was founded in 1952 by seven undergraduates at the University of Ibadan, including Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka. The group’s objective is to promote human rights, social justice and humanitarian causes, while combating elitism, tribalism and corruption.
Members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) across the country were also in attendance, clad in their union’s outfits.
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The deceased’s siblings, children and members of the immediate family were on hand to stand by their patriarch on the journey to his final resting place.
Jeyifo, the pioneer president of ASUU, was born on January 5, 1946 and died on February 11, 2026 at the age of 80.
As the number of friends and families grew larger at the funeral home, others were anxiously waiting to receive the body and pay their last respect.
At about 10am, with sonorous music and dancing, members of Seadogs led the body in a convoy of about 35 vehicles en route to Oke Ado to his home at Jeyifous Street, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Navigating the route took about 20 minutes and road users and commuters stood in awe and amazement as the remains of the revered scholar were conveyed in a casket. Residents, neighbours and community members were given the opportunity to take a last look at a man who had done so much for the academic world and the society in general.
The body arrived to the waiting hands of residents and community members. As it got lowered on a platform, people paid their final respect to a man who served as a leader and philanthropist.
Members of the Pirate Confraternity, both young and old, across all ranks, began a procession from the junction of the street, on a queue, singing and dancing. They were led by the Capo, who led others to the casket, gyrating around it amid singing and dancing.
The procession was terminated with prayers by members of the Pirate Confraternity.
Shortly after, the remains began a journey to the final resting place. At about 11:45am, the convoy arrived at St James the Great Cathedral Burial Ground, Ijokodo, Ibadan.
Amid gyrating songs and drumming, members of the Pirate Confraternity led the way as they conveyed the casket bearing their hero before handing it over to the bearers, who took him to the spot where the Emeritus Professor was laid.
In a brief sermon before the remains were lowered into the grave, a cleric from Fire Soul Christ Evangelical Prayer Ministry, Akufo, Ibadan, Rev’d Taiwo Falade, who was accompanied by his colleague from Mystery of Faith Bible Church, Olopomewa, Ibadan, said death was the end of every man and the grave the final resting place.
He said only those who were in Christ had the hope of life after death, urging those at the event to give their lives to Christ.
He added that since no one was sure of how his end would be, everyone must be mindful of living a life worthy of Christ.
As family members and mourners found their ways out of the cemetery, the arrival of Prof. Soyinka charged the atmosphere back to a jubilant mood, as he, bearing the trademark sword of the fraternity, led all members in a procession to the final resting place of the late scholar.
Paying his last respect, Soyinka led a dirge to charge the souls of the members to life after, with the reassurance that everyone would meet again in heaven.
Efforts to speak with the deceased’s eldest son, Okunola, and other family members proved abortive, as he could not put himself together to react to the death.
He said he was still trying to fathom the reality of the death, with the lowering of the casket into the grave and everyone turning and leaving his father behind.
Teary, he appealed not to be allowed to have any interview.
However, in an interview, ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, literally icons, including Professors Olu Obafemi, Femi Osofisan and Remi Raji commended the late scholar for his contributions to the development of the academia as well as humanity in general.
Piwuna paid tribute to the late Professor Jeyifo, highlighting his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s educational system and ASUU.
He said the deceased played a pivotal role in initiating collective bargaining with the government, a tradition ASUU had continued to uphold.
Prof. Obafemi said the famous scholar would never be forgotten for his commitment to social change and transformation.
Prof. Osofisan said there were many things not to forget about Emeritus Professor Jeyifo, whom he described as his closest friend.
Prof. Raji said the younger generation must learn to understand the story of Nigeria from the late scholar.
