By Is’haq Babatunde
Every 24th of January is the birthday of the late sage, Professor Muhammed Mustapha Olarongbe Aremu Akanbi SAN of blessed memory, the late Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU). If not for the fate that decided otherwise on November 20th 2022, today would have marked your 52nd birthday on the surface of earth.
Though you have left this sinful world 64 days ago, your memories keep linger. Your life sojourn was dotted with remarkable and spectacular achievements that traversed all facets of life. You left an indelible mark that is very difficult to erase.
A very kindhearted, loving, humble, considerate and God fearing man who sacrificed his comfort for others. You accorded everyone that came youir way with utmost respect. You were a vibrant, energetic, and astute administrator. Prof. M. M. Akanbi was blessed with ability to notice and understand things/issues clearly. A very mentally sharp and clever person. The fact that you were a perfectionist doesn’t open to an argument. We all knew you as a very firm and upright-thinking leader.
A complete family man, very generous to a fault, very open and detribalized. You were a committed teacher to your students, a leader by example, caring father to all children under him (biological and non biological) and loving husband to your dear wife, Hajia Shakirat Folake Akanbi.
Is not that I remember you today, as a matter of fact, I have been remembering you at least five times in a day (during my daily prayers) since you wnet to the world beyond. But I specifically notice today because of its significance in your life time as the day the world welcomed you to the prominent family of Akanbi dynasty to be ecxat, 24th of January 1971.
Standing by your grave this morning to offer prayer along side with your loving wife and few guests, I have the conviction that all prayers that we offered and those we have been offering will be answered.
I don’t want to say that I have not fully recovered from the shock occasioned by your painfu exit but I take solace in the fact that you lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation. May Allah make Aljanat Firdaus your final abode and take charge of each and everyone of us that you left behind.
