From Igboho to Professorial Heights: Oladipupo Returns to His Roots in Thanksgiving, Honoured by Eminent Nigerians

  

IGBOHO, OYO STATE — Saturday, September 12, 2026, will remain a memorable day in the life of Professor Sunday Layi Oladipupo, as the distinguished philosopher and scholar returned to his hometown of Igboho to give thanks to God for his elevation to the rank of Professor.

  

The thanksgiving service, held at Okegboho Baptist Church, Igboho, brought together eminent personalities, traditional rulers, academics, community leaders, family members, old school associates, friends and well-wishers who came to celebrate a remarkable academic milestone achieved after years of dedication, scholarship, mentorship and service.

Professor Oladipupo, who rose through the academic ranks to become Professor of Philosophy at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, with effect from October 1, 2025, used the occasion not merely to celebrate his personal achievement but to acknowledge the people whom he described as instruments through whom God shaped his journey.

    

Among the distinguished personalities at the thanksgiving were Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, the Alepata of Igboho Land, HRM Oba Dr. Joel Olalere Olawuwo, Olasorogan IV, Permanent Chairman of the Oorelope Traditional Council, accompanied by his chiefs, as well as professors and lecturers from Adekunle Ajasin University.

  

Also present was the Irepo Grammar School Old Students' Association, led by Chief Olaniran, reflecting the celebrant's enduring connection with the institutions and communities that contributed to his formative years.

    

The gathering also attracted the Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Comrade Sikiru Bayo Titilola-Sodo, alongside other prominent personalities, including Elder Michael Okunade-Igboho and Dr. Solomon Durodola.

    

‘God Used Them to Make Me Who I Am’

One of the most emotional moments of the celebration came when Professor Oladipupo openly acknowledged individuals whom he credited with playing significant roles in his academic and personal development.

He particularly singled out Dr. Solomon Durodola, whom he described as a major instrument in God's hands in helping him attain the position he occupies today.

With deep appreciation, the professor also acknowledged Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, whom he identified as one of the distinguished personalities God used to positively influence and support his academic career.

The celebrant's tribute extended beyond his academic mentors to those who provided fatherly guidance at critical moments of his life.

He specifically eulogised Mr. Nathaniel Oladipupo, whom he described as a true father figure following the demise of his biological father.

For Professor Oladipupo, therefore, the professorship was not simply an individual accomplishment. It was a testimony to the power of family, mentorship, sacrifice, friendship, community support and divine providence.

A Professorship Dedicated to Family Legacy

The significance of the occasion was further underscored during the final vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Deji Oladipupo.

The professorial achievement was dedicated to the entire Solomon Alayaki Oladipupo family, with special recognition given to the memory of the celebrant's late biological father Mr. Joseph Olawuwo Oladipupo and his wife Mrs. Rebecca Abeni Oladipupo. He also appreciate Mr. Nathaniel Oladipupo, as well as his wife, Mrs. Folasade Oladipupo, for their roles in his journey.

The dedication gave the celebration a deeper family dimension, portraying the professorship as the culmination of a legacy built through generations and sustained by the support of loved ones.

From Igboho to the Professorial Chair

Professor Sunday Layi Oladipupo's journey to the pinnacle of academic achievement is one characterised by consistency and outstanding academic performance.

Born on January 11, 1976, into the family of the late Joseph Oladipupo and Madam Rebecca Oladipupo of the Solomon Alayaki Oladipupo Dynasty, Igboho, he is the third of seven children.

His educational foundation was laid in Igboho, where he attended Okegboho Baptist Primary School, Baptist High School and Irepo Grammar School.

His academic journey subsequently took him to Wolex Polytechnic, Lagos, where he obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communication with Distinction, before proceeding to Adekunle Ajasin University, where he earned a B.A. (Hons) in Philosophy with Second Class Upper Division and an M.A. in Philosophy.

He later obtained his PhD in Philosophy from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in 2015.

His record of academic excellence dates back to his early education. He was recognised as Best Graduating Student at several stages of his education, including Okegboho Baptist Primary School, Irepo Grammar School, Wolex Polytechnic and the Philosophy Unit of Adekunle Ajasin University. He was also recognised as the Most Studious Philosophy Student at AAUA.

A Scholar of African and Yoruba Philosophy

Professor Oladipupo's academic career has been particularly distinguished by his scholarship in African Philosophy, Yoruba Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Socio-Political Philosophy, Ethics, Justice, African traditional thought, leadership, culture and sustainable development.

His scholarship seeks to interrogate African intellectual traditions while demonstrating their continuing relevance to contemporary society.

He is the author of Justice in Yoruba Culture, published by Obafemi Awolowo University Press in 2024, and has edited and co-edited several scholarly works.

His academic output includes 68 publications, comprising books, edited volumes, book chapters and scholarly journal articles published in Nigerian and international academic outlets.

He has also participated in academic conferences in Nigeria and abroad, including engagements in Ghana, the United States of America and the Republic of Benin.

Beyond research and publications, Professor Oladipupo has made significant contributions to university administration. He has served in several capacities, including Acting Head of the Department of Philosophy, Member of Senate, Acting Director of Student Support Services, Managing Editor of the Akungba Journal of Applied Philosophy, Examination Officer, Centre for Entrepreneurship Coordinator and Seminar/Research Coordinator.

He has equally served on and chaired several university committees.

Mentor to a Generation

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Professor Oladipupo's career is his commitment to mentoring students.

He has supervised more than 203 undergraduate students, in addition to undertaking postgraduate supervision at master's and doctoral levels.

His commitment to teaching and mentorship has earned him several honours, including Students' Choice Lecturer of the Year, Lecturer of the Year and Most Active Lecturer, among other academic, professional and humanitarian recognitions.

His influence also extends beyond the walls of the university, with leadership roles in church, alumni and community organisations.

Among other positions, he has served as President of Kings' Club, Igboho; Secretary of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Ikare-Akoko; Vice-President II of the Ondo State Baptist Youth Conference; Chairman of AAUA Alumni, Akungba Branch; National Vice-President II of the AAUA Alumni Association; Education Chairman of The Landmark Group, Oorelope Local Government, Igboho; and Public Relations Officer of the Irepo Grammar School Igboho Old Students' Association.

Reception Follows Thanksgiving

Following the thanksgiving service at Okegboho Baptist Church, guests and dignitaries proceeded immediately to the Irepo Grammar School Hall, where the reception programme commenced.

The reception provided another opportunity for family members, academics, traditional leaders, old school associates, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the professor and reflect on his journey from the classrooms of Igboho to the professorial chair.

For many present, the celebration represented more than the attainment of an academic rank. It was a celebration of perseverance, intellectual excellence, family values, mentorship, community and faith.

For Professor Sunday Layi Oladipupo, the message of the day was clear: the journey to greatness may be personal, but the people and divine hands that make the journey possible must never be forgotten.

His elevation to Professor of Philosophy has therefore become not only a personal milestone, but a source of pride to his family, Igboho community, academic colleagues, former students and all those who have followed his intellectual journey.

— The Scribe

David Alani Ige

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

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David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

David Alani Ige is a seasoned journalist, strategic analyst, and the visionary publisher of Ayekooto Media. With a relentless commitment to archiving Nigeria's political realities and delivering the unvarnished truth, he has built a formidable platform for deep-dive reportage and editorial excellence. He is widely known by his readers and peers as "The Scribe".