Gbenro Adesina
A professor of Virology at the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor David Olufemi Olaleye, is dead.
Olaleye, 67, was said to have died of an undisclosed illness in the early hours of Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
He was the head of the Clinical Virology Laboratory in the University College Hospital (UCH), and a member of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force formed in March 2020.
In a condolence message issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Taiwo Adisa, Governor Seyi Makinde described Olaleye’s death as a massive loss to the country.
He said: “With the death of Prof. David Olaleye, Oyo State and, indeed, Nigeria have lost a great man and a dedicated professional.
“He served this state as the arrowhead of the Virology Team of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force and discharged his duties with utmost commitment and diligence.
“Prof. Olaleye was the head of the Clinical Virology Laboratory, which served the purpose of conducting COVID-19 tests and he played that role actively till he passed on.
“He was ever so passionate about the State overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and the success recorded so far in the fight against the virus can be credited to individuals like Professor Olaleye and other individuals, who have worked and are still working round the clock to ensure that the state’s efforts to combat the virus remain top-notch.
“I commiserate with the family of Prof. Olaleye, the University College Hospital (UCH), the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and the University, as well as the body of academics in the country.
“May God Almighty grant everyone the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grant repose to the soul of the late Prof Olaleye.”
