Professor Wahab Egbewole: A Mighty Trunk in the Olive Tree of Great Ife

By Toyin Falola

Many people know that an Olive Tree is a phraseology that symbolizes reconciliation, friendship and, above all, peace. However, not many understand that the same expression also means light, victory, and prosperity, among other things. Perhaps an Olive Tree was what the founding fathers had in mind when they ascribed the word “Great” (with capital G) to the University of Ife. This is underscored by the awareness that the tree is a symbol of many important things that they would want the institution to reflect in its ideological philosophy and fundamental principles–to the extent that the alumni of the noble institution are known for the reassured confidence they demonstrate whenever the school’s anthem is recited. The elation, pride, and renewed confidence they exude when referring to their Alma Mater clearly show that Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has established itself as an enigma whose significance and place cannot be undermined. It is no surprise that the alumni of Great Ife have always been associated with progressive ideas, which cannot be tagged as mere luck or coincidence.

OAU is renowned for its uncompromising pursuit of excellence, a feat exemplified in the life, personal growth, and flow of one of its distinguished products, Professor Wahab Egbewole. One abiding quality of an Olive Tree is its capacity to bring light. In the academic trajectory of this outstanding individual, education has not only brought light to his endeavours but has also propelled him to the pinnacle of his career, where he has continued to shine as a beacon for others aspiring to attain such heights. Professor Egbewole’s luminary potential is evident in the important positions he has held in different areas and capacities. Both locally and internationally, Professor Egbewole has continually blessed humanity with various potentials that are innate to him. It is no news that this scholar graduated as a legal professional, and he has utilized his intellectual capabilities to reshape the legal landscape of the country with thought-provoking ideas expressed in jurisprudence initiatives that altogether increase the conditions of law within society and stimulate broader and participatory societal engagements.

From the early stages of his professional development, Professor Egbewole has left no stone unturned in crystallizing legal ideas aimed at fostering rapid development and encouraging robust achievements, the combination of which would create a tranquil society where peace and stability reign supreme. In describing this remarkable individual, the word “light” is particularly descriptive of my intentions as it perfectly encapsulates his lofty contributions and all that he has facilitated in the Nigerian legal landscape.

How else does one describe an intellectual who has served meritoriously and made immeasurable contributions in various positions to which he has been assigned, elected, or appointed? I count it particularly important that his call to service at the Committee for the Review of Law of Oyo State, where he served as early as 1998, placed him in one of the most sensitive positions at that period of his career evolution. Dutifully, Professor Egbewole made exemplary efforts to offer competent services and support, leaving an indelible impact marked by measurable results that are present today. From that point onward, he has moved from one important assignment to another and on each occasion of his call to duty, he has shown nothing short of professionalism in discharging his duties and responsibilities.

Today, Professor Egbewole boasts of an intimidating record of service driven by a desire for change and the vision to improve the conditions of law in Nigerian society. Nigeria takes pride in Egbewole, as he has been instrumental in the transformation of society’s legal departments, addressing issues of stability and preparing the nation for aggressive technological innovations that can drive unprecedented success. From Oyo State to Osun, Osun to Ekiti, Ekiti to Kwara, Professor Egbewole has served with impeccable character to ensure that his legal assignments are delivered with utmost excellence and extraordinary quality.

As an Olive Tree produces great fruits, Great Ife has produced an enigma in Professor Egbewole, whose precocious intellectual values have always been sought after, even by the international community. In addition to the giant strides he has made in the homeland, he has also been recognized as an active and relentless participant in the global economy of intellectual engagements. It would be an almost endless task to recount the various areas and capacities in which he has served globally. Professor Egbewole has facilitated the rapid human development of Africans, serving in various positions within the continent and beyond. If one pays keen attention to the trajectory of his service, especially at the international level, one will notice his unwavering dedication to human development. The energy he invests in research, which would ultimately produce measurable results for individuals, signals that he has embraced this mission as his mandate in life.

In essence, the number and quality of people who have benefited directly and indirectly from Professor Egbewole’s experience and expertise is substantial. He has always demonstrated his love for orderliness, believing that opportunities can be extended to the vulnerable only when things are in proper order. The more you read about this quintessential man, the more you come to discover new things about his inestimable potential.

An Olive Tree symbolizes light and victory; therefore, it emphasizes the extent of Professor Egbewole’s commitment and zeal, which have brought him personal victory and facilitated the accomplishments of the people around him. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the current Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, his achievements are remarkable. These prestigious roles require extraordinary human management skills to pilot the affairs of people successfully, and Professor Egbewole has consistently excelled in his duties. There has been no time when this influential professor recorded poor human relations, as he is always praised for his ability to manage people with diverse opinions and ideological positions.

Organizations often require an incredible amount of patience and willpower to effect changes. Without these qualities, a leader would almost certainly self-destruct because not only would they struggle to harmonize the ideas and initiatives of people in the same organization, but they would also be incapable of viewing things from different perspectives. However, this is not the case for Professor Egbewole. He is egalitarian and people-centered, crafting ideas and policies that satisfactorily consider the positions of the masses, ensuring they have access to opportunities for personal transformation while contributing to their society.

Academically, Professor Egbewole is prolific, with a significant body of work through which he has contributed to the academic community. Always determined, he has made efforts to advance the narratives surrounding OAU graduates. Moreover, being a vice-chancellor entails multiple responsibilities and this exceptional man has continued to represent very perfectly, achieving great accomplishments credited to his name. He has never been deterred by the demands of his roles and responsibilities. For instance, he has served as an External Examiner at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, confirming that his expertise and professionalism are sought after globally. At some point, the Professor extended his service to Ghana as the academic auditor of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, in addition to the numerous assignments within Nigeria in different schools and in different capacities.

Professor Egbewole has taken up critical responsibilities within academia, confidently challenging existing disorders and proposing better alternatives that drive change today. I am immensely boastful of what he has done with his career, as he continues to show leadership skills and pave the way for future generations of scholars from OAU and the University of Ilorin, who will admirably continue his laudable work.

PS: This is the first of a three-part essay inspired by Professor Wahab Egbewole’s lecture on June 3, 2024, at the University of Abuja on university administration in post-subsidy Nigeria.