Good Night, Prof. M.M. Akanbi, By Saliu Mustapha

The death of Professor Muhammed Mustapha Olaroungbe Aremu Akanbi was shocking. Everyone who adored him hoped the news was false. But that was not the case; Akanbi had truly passed away. He left at the peak of his academic career.

Prof. M.M. Akanbi was still very young, so we all hoped and prayed that death would hold off for a little longer, but it was not to be. Allah (SWT) decided it was time to take His servant. Who are we to question the will of the Almighty? This is undoubtedly a huge loss for us all, both as individuals and as a community. Ilorin Emirate has lost a shining star!

Whenever an icon passes in Ilorin, our community at large grieves. Those who knew the deceased well recounted stories of his towering greatness, while those who only met him briefly recalled how they learned of his good heart and kind nature.

The city has lost a great personality as well as a golden son. But I believe that sharing our grief will help us ease our burdens at this time, which is why everyone’s story and testimony about what Prof. M.M. Akanbi meant to them during his life is a great way to appreciate how glorious his short life was.

A full professor at the age of 40, a senior advocate at the age of 47, and vice chancellor of a university at the age of 49, Akanbi proved with his stellar records that life is not always about how long but how well you live. His short but meaningful life will inspire future generations and serve as a constant reminder that nothing is certain in life and that we do not have to wait indefinitely to make an impact.

Akanbi was a remarkable man in every way. He meant something very special to everyone who benefited from his presence. He had a great personality and knew when to be serious and when to joke. He was a gentleman who used his position as KWASU VC to influence many of our young people, providing mentorship and helping to shape the future of our lofty Emirate.

In addition to his work as a celebrated teacher and legal icon, Akanbi also made time for the downtrodden and the needy. He cared for the elderly and the less fortunate in communities across Kwara State through his MMGIVIT Charity Initiative.

Through several wealth redistribution programmes and educational advancement activities, including poetry competitions and career counseling for secondary schools, Akanbi gave his all to promote a fair society in which all people had access to basic needs of life and children of the poor received the support they needed to reach their full potential. Professor M.M.Akanbi dedicated his life to this mission.

We are saddened by Akanbi’s sudden and obviously untimely death. He was just over 50 years old and had his entire life ahead of him. He left a bright legacy as an achiever and accomplished individual. We must be grateful for, and cherish the special moments he shared with us during his lifetime.

My heartfelt condolences go to the wife and children of late Akanbi; the immediate Akanbi-Oniyo family and the entire clan of Magaji Kemberi, Awodi, in Gambari Quarters.

I also condole with our revered Royal father, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU); University of Ilorin and the Kwara State University communities; the association of Ilorin Emirate Professors; the academic community as a whole, the legal profession and His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq over the passage of this illustrious son and one of our best and brightest.

May God, in His Mercies, repose his soul and protect all that he left behind.

Adieu, learned silk!

Saliu Mustapha
The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate contributes this from the FCT, Abuja.