First Indigenous Professor of Surgery,Oluwasanmi Inducted Into Afe Babalola Hall Of Fame

The  first indigenous professor of surgery in Nigeria, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi has been  inducted into  the prestigious Afe Babalola Hall of Fame, Okemesi Ekiti.

Professor ,Oluwasanmi ,the President of Ekiti State Council of Elders was the third Nigerian doctor to qualify as a surgeon (1949) and  first Nigerian to obtain the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (1949).
He was also the  third indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (1972-1975),
The ceremony was performed by the coordinator of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide (ABBW), Chief Ogunniyi Morakinyo (Kayegbo) at the Council of Elders Resort, Ado Ekiti .Prof. Oluwasanmi, who was visibly moved while being decorated in front of several members of the council, said he was happy for recognition, particularly while he is still alive.

He expressed his appreciation to the Kayegbo-led ABBW, for the honour bestowed on him, pointing out that such  development will be an encouragement to others that their contribution to humanity will not go unrecognized.

Chief Morakinyo said: “It is an honor to stand before you today as the initiating Coordinator of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide.

“We gather to celebrate a remarkable individual, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, President of the Ekiti State Council of Elders, as he is inducted into the prestigious Afe Babalola Hall of Fame, Hillside, Okemesi, Ekiti State, Nigeria

“Firstly, I want to bring you to speed about Afe Babalola Hall of Fame and History Museum  situated at Okemesi Tourism Village, Oke-Asagba, Okemesi Ekiti, in which notable personalities and admirers of Baba Afe have made remarkable contributions to its development.

“Among those who built mini pavilions, mini chalets and other structures to make the place a tourist haven, are: Owa Ooye Okemesi Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, Ewi of Ado, Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi,  Adedeji, Asiwaju Okemesi Chief Samuel Bolarinde,  Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun SAN, Mr. Lucas Daramola SAN, Pastor Dupe Babalola, Yeye Oba Joke Chukwumah-Adebayo, Aare & Yeye Aare Oluwole Orungbe, Balogun Akin Osuntokun, Yeye Otunba (Dr.)
Titi Oyejola-Laniyan, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Engr. kayode Ojo, Hon. Biodun Omoleye MHR, Dr. Femi Alabi, Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, and Rev.Dr. Gbemisola Olukoya.

“The place is an ongoing legacy project which all admirers of Baba Afe are invited to support.

“The occasion of today recognizes Prof. Oluwasanmi’s outstanding contributions and dedication to society. His leadership and commitment to the Ekiti State Council of Elders have positively impacted the lives of many.

“Afe Babalola Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have made significant impacts in their fields. Prof. Oluwasanmi’s induction is a testament to his remarkable achievements.

“We commend his tireless efforts and visionary leadership. His legacy will inspire future generations.

“On behalf of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide, I congratulate Prof. Oluwasanmi on this well-deserved honor.

“May this recognition inspire him to continue making a positive difference.”

He presented Prof.  Oluwasanmi with Certificate of induction and his life sized portrait.

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