From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi, has described the passing of legal luminary Professor Rasheed Jimoh Ijaodola, SAN, as an irreparable loss to the academic and legal communities, as well as to the people of Offa.
Reflecting on the distinguished career of the late professor, Ogunniyi, noted that Prof. Ijaodola was a fearless advocate for truth, a legal scholar of great repute, and a man whose intellectual pursuits knew no bounds.
“He was not only an erudite professor of law but also a holder of three doctorate degrees, including a PhD in Christian Studies despite being a devout Muslim. His broad-minded approach to knowledge and justice set him apart as a fighter for good causes,” Ogunniyi remarked.
Prof. Ijaodola’s contributions to academia spanned over four decades, during which he mentored numerous legal professionals.
He served as the Dean of Oba Erediauwa College of Law at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, and was a respected member of the Council of Legal Education.
Ogunniyi, who attended the Janaza burial in Offa to pay his last respects, described the professor’s passing as a personal loss. “I benefited immensely from his wisdom, native intelligence, and pragmatic outlook on life. His demise leaves a huge void, not just in the legal profession but in the entire Offa community,” he added.
He extended his condolences to Prof. Ijaodola’s family, friends, and associates, praying for divine comfort and eternal rest for the deceased.
Also, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, has described the passing of renowned legal scholar Prof. Rasheed Ijaodola, SAN, as a colossal loss to the legal profession, academia, and the nation.
In a condolence message issued through the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, Prof. Egbewole extolled the late scholar’s immense contributions to legal education and the generations of lawyers he mentored across various universities.
“Prof. Ijaodola bestrode the academia like a colossus, shaping the legal landscape with his vast knowledge.
“He was not just a scholar but a man of exceptional intellectual depth, holding no fewer than four PhDs, including one in Christian Studies despite being a devout Muslim. His dedication to knowledge, community development, and family was truly remarkable,” Prof. Egbewole stated.
He prayed for the repose of the late professor’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanah Firdaous.
Prof. Ijaodola, an illustrious son of Offa and a former law lecturer at UNILORIN, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Until his demise, he was a professor of law at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.