Teacher of Teachers Laid to Rest in Grand Style as Family, Dignitaries Celebrate Legacy of Late Dr. Reuben Adepoju Adeboyeje
It was a solemn yet glorious celebration of a fulfilled life at Ode-Igbisin in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, as children, family members, associates, and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to former Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Dr. Reuben Adepoju Adeboyeje.
The late educationist, widely revered as a “teacher of teachers,” was honoured for his immense contributions to education, community development, and humanity during a well-attended funeral ceremony.
The funeral thanksgiving Mass held at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Ode-Igbisin, witnessed an overwhelming turnout as dignitaries from different walks of life filled the church auditorium beyond expectation.
Scholars, education administrators, political associates, traditional leaders, clergy, and community members converged to celebrate the enduring legacy of humility, discipline, scholarship, and service left behind by the octogenarian icon.
Delivering his sermon during the service, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joachim Makanjuola, described the late Dr. Adeboyeje as a builder of future leaders who devoted his entire life to the advancement of education in Nigeria.
According to him, thousands of youths across the country passed through his tutelage as a teacher, lecturer, administrator, and Provost of Adeyemi College of Education. He further extolled the deceased as a committed Christian whose love for God inspired him to support the growth of the church and community development projects.
The cleric noted that beyond his academic accomplishments, the late scholar was remembered for his calm disposition, fairness, discipline, and unwavering commitment to justice.
He added that Dr. Adeboyeje’s impact would continue to resonate in the lives of many students, colleagues, and families he assisted in pursuing higher education and meaningful careers.
Guests were later treated to a grand reception where friends and associates wined and dined in an atmosphere filled with music and heartfelt tributes.
Popular live band artiste, Remilekun Amos, thrilled guests with melodious performances as family members received sympathizers and celebrated the remarkable life of their patriarch.
Speaking on behalf of the family, one of his sons, Adeola Temitope Adeboyeje, paid glowing tribute to his late father, describing him as a disciplined and principled man who believed strongly in integrity, knowledge, and hard work.
According to him, his father’s life was a clear example of consistency, honesty, and purposeful leadership. He stated that the values instilled in them by their father would continue to guide the family for generations to come.
Born on December 12, 1946, Dr. Reuben Adepoju Adeboyeje began his educational journey at St. Benedict’s R.C.M. Primary School, Ode-Igbisin, before proceeding to United Grammar School, Ode-Irele.
He later attended the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Educational Administration and Planning.
During his distinguished twenty-seven-year career at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, he rose from Lecturer II to become Chief Lecturer, Reader, Deputy Provost, and eventually Provost of the institution.
As an accomplished scholar and advocate of Yoruba language and culture, he authored several academic publications and earned the revered title “Jagunmólú Akọ́mọlédè” from the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, for his unwavering commitment to promoting Yoruba heritage.
Beyond academics, Dr. Adeboyeje contributed immensely to public service and community leadership.
He served as Ondo State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party and Chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association, while also holding the prestigious position of Olórí Ẹbí of the Ikuejamofo Family.
His leadership style, marked by wisdom, fairness, and humility, earned him respect across different sectors of society.
Late Dr. Reuben Adepoju Adeboyeje passed on peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
He is survived by wives, children, grandchildren, and a vast number of mentees and admirers whose lives he touched profoundly.
Truly, the sun has set on a distinguished scholar, community leader, and devoted man of faith whose legacy will remain evergreen in the sands of time.