OAU Pro-Chancellor Oyeweso dies suddenly after post-surgery complications

The Chairman of Council and Pro-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Abdulgafar Siyan Oyeweso, is dead.

He passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 64.

Prof. Oyeweso, a renowned historian and distinguished academic, was reported to have died in a hospital shortly after undergoing what was described as a successful surgical procedure.

He had reportedly been unwell for three months and eventually underwent surgery for a brain tumour.

The family, in a statement issued by Olawale Oyeweso, announced the passing of the scholar with deep sorrow, describing him as a devoted father, brother, educator and mentor whose influence shaped the lives of countless students, colleagues and associates.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and brother, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Professor Abdulgafar Siyan Oyeweso, who departed this life on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the age of 64 after a brief illness,” the statement read.

A frontline academic and political historian, Prof. Oyeweso served in various administrative and scholarly capacities, earning recognition for his contributions to education and national discourse.

He is survived by his wife, children and extended family members.

According to the family, his remains will be laid to rest today in his hometown, Ede, Osun State, at 4pm, immediately after the Asr prayer.

Professor Oyeweso (1961–2025) was a distinguished Nigerian historian, celebrated academic leader and cultural scholar.

Born on 1 February 1961, he excelled early, emerging the best graduating pupil of St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Sekona-Ede, in 1972.

He continued his academic brilliance at Oke-Iragbiji Grammar School, winning several state awards, including top prizes in the Oyo State Quiz Competition (1974) and Essay Competition (1976). He obtained a Grade One Distinction in the 1978 WASCE.

Supported by the Timi Oyewusi Agbonran II Scholarship, Oyeweso studied History at the University of Ife, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division in 1982. After his NYSC at the University of Ilorin, he briefly taught at St. John’s Grammar School, Ile-Ife, before returning to Ife for postgraduate studies. He earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees under the supervision of Dr Olusegun Osoba, winning the University’s Postgraduate Scholar Award.

Oyeweso began his academic career at Lagos State University in 1985, rising from Assistant Lecturer to Professor by 2004. He served in major administrative roles including Head of Department, Dean of Arts, Director of General Studies, and member of multiple governing councils. In 2007, he joined Osun State University as the pioneer Provost of the College of Humanities and Culture, later becoming a central figure in the institution’s development.

A globally respected cultural historian, Oyeweso held leadership roles at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, where he advanced heritage preservation and international scholarship. He authored numerous books and over 200 academic publications, and mentored many who became professors, vice-chancellors, and public leaders.

Until his passing, Professor Oyeweso served as Provost of the UNIOSUN Postgraduate College and Pro-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, leaving behind a profound legacy in academia and cultural history.