NAL President Pays Tribute to Late Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo

The President of, the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Prof. Sola Akinrinade has extolled the life and time of late Prof. Ayo Banjo, describing him as a devoted public intellectual who was an advocate for social justice, human rights, and cultural preservation.

Prof. Akinrinade said despite his many achievements, Banjo remained a role model in humility, kindness, generosity and a father figure to many.

In a tribute on May 25, 2024, Akinrinade underlined that the impact of the late academic giant extended far beyond Nigeria and Africa. In his words “For us at the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professor Ayo Banjo belonged to that class of eminent scholars who joined hands to establish an Academy that has impacted the direction of scholarship in this country and even beyond. Not only was he a Foundation Member of NAL, he served as the second President from 2000 to 2002. He was a member of the Board of Trustees until his departure”.

The President further noted that the deceased was among the rare generation of Nigerian scholars who “pursued scholarship not only as a vocation but also as a passion. Long after retirement, they remain active in sharing ideas and mentoring several generations of scholars after them. Even when he could not be physically present at NAL’s activities, he was ubiquitous among our virtual participants, making impactful contributions to discussions”.

Indeed, together, this generation of our leaders which includes our foundation president, Emeritus Professor Ayo Bambose, has bequeathed to us an Academy that we are rightly proud of, and we are building upon.

Professor Banjo was a mentor and guide to several generations of scholars, most of whom are now Professors of long-standing, not only in his discipline but also in other areas of scholarship.

Until his death, as Emeritus Prof Ayo Bambose, our foundation president rightly stated, Emeritus Professor Banjo was “a fountain of ideas on Convocation themes”, including the theme for this year’s Convocation to be held in August. Sadly, he will not be there, but we shall celebrate him as his ideas live on.

Adieu our dear Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodeji Banjo (2nd May 1934- 24th May 2024)!