Aregbesola Pens Glowing Tribute To Late Professor Sobowale
The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has pen a glowing tribute to the late Professor Idowu Sobowale, whom he described as a public intellectual.
In a letter he personally signed and addressed to the wife of the late Prof Sobowale, Mrs Elizabeth Sobowale, Aregbesola noted that the late Professor was a giant in the academic world.
‘I received with shock but submission to the will of God the news of the passing of Professor Idowu Sobowale. Please accept my deepest condolences on the home coming of your remarkable and illustrious husband.
‘As a member of the Lagos State Executive Council during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, this is a painful loss to me, the intellectual community, the public service, and all who cherish integrity, culture, and good governance.
‘A Professor of Mass Communication, Professor Sobowale distinguished himself not only in the academia and public service but also as a public intellectual.
‘Through a sustained newspaper commentary column, he engaged readers on national and international issues, bringing his intellect, knowledge, and perspective to bear on matters of public interest. He exemplified the enduring role of the scholar in enriching public discourse and deepening society’s understanding of the issues that shape our world.
‘He was a man of culture and intellect, with firm convictions about the values that should underpin a decent society.
‘One of his remarkable legacies as Special Adviser on Education was his uncompromising abhorrence of examination malpractice and the prevalence of cheating in our schools. His personal involvement in the supervision of examinations during his tenure spoke volumes about his commitment to academic integrity and his determination to ensure that honesty, rather than fraud, remained the foundation of educational achievement. He understood that the character of a nation is shaped, in no small measure, by the values it instils in its young people.
‘Professor Sobowale was also an advocate of good governance anchored on the welfare and security of the people. His life and public service remind us that leadership is not merely about occupying positions of authority, but about upholding principles and contributing to the common good.
‘While we recognise human mortality as an inescapable reality, the departure of Prof Sobowale fills us with indescribable grief. We grieve not only for the person we have lost, but also for his wisdom, experience, and contributions that are no longer available to enrich our collective existence.
‘I pray that God will comfort you and other members of the family, grant you the fortitude to beat the loss and give you His peace. May Professor Idowu Sobowale wake to joyful activities on the other side of eternity, and may the values he upheld continue to inspire those he left behind, he stated.
