By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Eminent citizens have continued to express condolences over the passing of the first Professor of Geology in Africa, Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye.

The Nigerian High Commissioner to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammed Bello Abioye, and a retired Military Governor of Kwara State, Chief Salaudeen Adebola Aliyu Latinwo, said the transition of Professor Oyawoye had caused a big void in the society.

In separate statements issued and made available to Journalists in Ilorin, the duo of Abioye and Latinwo identified the late doyen of geology in Africa as a statesman and a devout Muslim, who served his Creator and humanity diligently.

The diplomat observed that the passage of Professor Oyawoye would create a vacuum that would be difficult to fill in Offa, Kwara State and the country as a whole.

Abioye, who commiserated with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Olofa of Offa over the don’s death, prayed the Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased his earthly inadequacies.

“It is with heavy heart that I received the sad news that the Offa-born Prince, first Professor of Geology in Africa, statesman par excellence, community leader and pious Muslim, Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye, has passed on.

“Doubtlessly, this sad occurrence will create a vacuum difficult to fill in the Offa community, Kwara State and the entire country.

“While I beseech the Almighty Allah to overlook his transgressions while on this ephemeral earth and admit Baba into jannah firdaus, my heartfelt condolences go to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Oloffa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the Anilelerin Ruling House, Offa community and the entire Oyawoye family”, the diplomat said.

Similarly, Latinwo noted that the late Professor Oyawoye would be remembered for his pioneering efforts in scholarship and service to humanity during his lifetime.

He added that Oyawoye’s total dedication to peace building and development of Offa was legendary, saying that he deserved to be immortalised.

Latinwo said: “I express my condolences to the people of Offa community and Kwara State over the passing of Professor Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye. He was a scholar who worked for God and humanity.

“This is one loss too many but we take solace in the fact that he led an exemplary life and our prayer is that Almighty Allah will repose his soul.”