Professor Folagbade Olajide Aboaba, a respected academic and prominent member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has died at the age of 89, just 47 days before his 90th birthday.
Aboaba reportedly died in Lagos on Saturday, January 21, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born on March 8, 1933, according to a report published by Church Times Nigeria.
The late professor was widely known as one of the closest associates of the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. He was among a small circle of friends who maintained a close relationship with the church leader.
The other members of the group were identified as businessman and lawyer Simeon Olakunrin and Elder Felix Ohiwerei.
Aboaba played several important roles in the RCCG during his lifetime. He was a member of the church’s Board of Trustees and served as Chairman of its Technical Advisory Board and Lands Committee.
He was also actively involved in the church’s major programmes. He regularly officiated during special Holy Ghost Nights and was known for introducing Pastor Adeboye before his ministry sessions.
The late professor was also known for singing special songs during programmes organised to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s birthday.
Beyond his activities in the church, Aboaba had a distinguished career in academia and agricultural engineering.
He was an Emeritus Professor of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Ibadan and served as the pioneering Dean of the university’s Faculty of Technology between 1976 and 1982.
He also served as Executive Secretary of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities from 1992 to 1998.
In addition, Aboaba played a major role in the establishment and development of Redeemer’s University. He was the institution’s founding Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, serving from 2005 to 2013.
According to tributes following his death, he was regarded as a mentor to several academics and professionals in agricultural engineering.
The National Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Agricultural Engineers, Professor Folarin Alonge, described Aboaba as one of the founding fathers of the institute and praised his contributions to the development of agricultural engineering and mechanisation in Nigeria.
Aboaba was also involved in the establishment of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Ilorin and contributed to the growth of the Nigerian Society of Agricultural Engineers.
Within the RCCG, his contributions extended beyond administrative responsibilities. The church said he served passionately in different capacities and was instrumental to several projects and programmes of the mission.
In a statement mourning his death, the RCCG described Aboaba as a distinguished elder and said he made significant contributions to the work of God.
The church also noted that he spearheaded activities that contributed to the birth of Redeemer’s University and served as its pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
Tributes also came from people who knew him personally. One of them, Pastor Paul Bankole of the RCCG, described him as a humble and jovial man who had a significant influence on the church and its activities.
Aboaba’s death was particularly significant to members of the RCCG because of his long-standing relationship with Pastor Adeboye and his regular role during the annual Special Holy Ghost Service held to celebrate the General Overseer’s birthday.
His death came only weeks before he would have turned 90.
Professor Aboaba left behind a legacy spanning academia, agricultural engineering, university administration and Christian service. His contributions to the University of Ibadan, Redeemer’s University, professional engineering bodies and the RCCG have continued to form a major part of tributes following his death.
