Professor Adebowale Wale Omole, a former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has died at the age of 84.
Omole reportedly died peacefully at his home in the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, 2026. His death was announced in a statement issued by the President of Ijesa Society, Lateef Bakare, on behalf of the family and the Biladu Ruling House of Ijesaland.
The late professor celebrated his 84th birthday on August 13, 2026.
Omole was a renowned Nigerian animal scientist, university administrator and advocate for Yoruba cultural heritage. He served as Vice-Chancellor of OAU, formerly known as the University of Ife, between 1991 and 1999, becoming the first alumnus of the institution to occupy the position.
His academic career at the university began as an assistant lecturer, and he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Animal Science in 1980.
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In 1983, he made history as the first alumnus to become Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, a position he held until 1985.
Beyond academia, Omole served as Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian newspaper and established a foundation dedicated to education, community development and the promotion of Yoruba values.
In August 2024, he launched the Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture in Lagos. The foundation was established to promote the Yoruba philosophy of Omọlúàbí, which emphasises good character, integrity and ethical conduct.
Its proposed programmes included scholarships, teacher training, educational infrastructure, community development and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.
Omole’s tenure as OAU Vice-Chancellor ended in 1999 following student protests linked to a cult attack that claimed the lives of five students.
The Ijesa Society has expressed condolences to his family, describing him as one of the greatest human resources produced by Ijesaland.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in due course.
May his soul rest in peace.
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