A renowned professor of history, Obaro Ikime, has died.
The retired professor, who died on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital at the age of 87, was a fellow and former president of the Historical Society of Nigeria.
Born in 1936 in Anibeze in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Ikime, world class scholar, was also a retired priest of the Anglican Communion and a former member of the University of Ibadan Governing Council.
His demise was made known to the public through a short message by one of his friends,
His close associate, A.M. Akpeiyi, in a tarse statement, said: “I am deeply saddened to announce that my mentor, my head of house and head of school, internationally renowned historian, Ikime transited today (Tuesday) to glory at about 05:30pm in Ibadan.
“He is survived by his beloved wife of some 60 years, Hannah, Annah and his sons, Mazino, Maino and daughter, Majiro. May his soul RIPP.”
Meanwhile, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, has expressed shock over Ikime’s death, saying: “I just got to know that Ikime, foremost historian and distinguished member of the Ibadan School of History, passed on yesterday (Tuesday) evening in Ibadan.
“May his noble and blessed soul rest. He was my history teacher at the University of Ibadan in 1976-77: an exciting, vibrant, knowledgeable, master of his art, approachable and humane. Nigeria finds it difficult to handle excellence and tends to celebrate ignorance and arrogance.
“Unsurprisingly, Nigeria happened to him at the apex of his distinguished and productive life. Thanks to God that although he was scarred by that encounter, he was never bowed. Adieu, my wonderful teacher. May you truly rest. You deserve it.”