In a statement personally signed by Odesola, who oversees the South-West, Nigeria and the Middle East regions of the church, he described Aboaba, who was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the RCCG, as a great man with a valuable personality.
Aboaba died on Saturday, January 21, 2023, after a brief illness. Although he was 90, Aboaba’s death came as a rude shock to many.
Odesola’s statement, titled, ‘Rest on Elder (Prof.) Fola Aboaba’ read, “We thank God Almighty for giving us you for 90 years. Your life and works to God and humanity have become an image of dignity and worth emulating for all of us not just in the RCCG but also all around the world. Though your translation to glory saddens our hearts, in reflecting upon your life, we are deeply grateful to God for the eternal impact you have made.
“Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love, and everything that you have done for the body of Christ, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and my family. We were in several committees of the church together serving till your last breath. This allows me to appreciate the awesome values and amazing personality you are that is too numerous to put here.
“It is so heartbreaking to know that having you around is no longer possible, I know you have fought the good fight as a gallant soldier of the Lord, fighting till your last breath. Surely, memories of you will forever be treasured by us all. Rest on Prof. till we meet to part no more.’’
Aboaba was an Emeritus Professor of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Ibadan and the pioneering Dean of the Faculty of Technology (1976-1982). The late scholar was always passionate about the growth of agricultural engineering and mechanisation in the country.
He was the Executive Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (1992-1998), the founding Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University (2005-2013) and the Chairman of Governing Council of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos (1976-1979).
He was a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers as well as Institution of Agricultural Engineers, UK.
