Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun State confirmed the death of Prof Wale Omole on Wednesday. The institution’s management expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the former Vice-Chancellor, who served the campus for eight years. Current Vice-Chancellor Prof Simeon Bamire issued a statement on behalf of the university community, honoring Omole’s enduring impact on the school’s history and academic standards.
Lateef Bakare, head of the Ijesa Society, verified the death in a written message. He stated that Omole died peacefully at his residence on November 11. The former academician was 84 years old, having celebrated his birthday earlier that year. Bakare spoke for the family and the Biladu Ruling House, noting that funeral plans are being finalized by relatives.
Omole was the first graduate of the university, then known as the University of Ife, to become its Vice-Chancellor. His term ended in 1999 after student protests erupted over a cult attack that killed five students. Before his administrative tenure, he advanced from an assistant lecturer to a professor of animal science by 1980. He also led the Faculty of Agriculture for two years.
Beyond university leadership, Omole was an animal scientist and a cultural advocate. He chaired the editorial board for The Guardian newspaper and created an organization focused on education and community growth. In 2024, he launched an initiative in Lagos to promote Yoruba ethics and character building. The university’s public relations officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, described Omole as a distinguished scholar whose legacy remains central to the institution’s identity.
The Ijesa Society’s announcement highlighted Omole’s role as a key figure in his home region. Bakare described him as a vital asset to the community and urged members to offer prayers for the family. The university and the society both emphasized the significant contributions Omole made to higher education and cultural preservation throughout his long career.