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Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh (1933–1997): A Pioneer of Modern Nigerian Medicine and Academia

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Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh was one of the most influential figures in Nigerian medical history. A pioneering physician, scholar, and administrator, he shaped the country’s medical education system and helped lay the groundwork for modern research institutions whose impact endures today.

Early Life and Heritage

Born on 4 October 1933 in Lagos, Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh came from a family steeped in the story of Nigeria itself. His father, Julius Gordon Kwasi Adadevoh, traced his ancestry to the royal house of Anyako in Ghana, while his mother, Sarah Abigail Idowu Adadevoh (née Macaulay), was the daughter of Herbert Macaulay, the renowned nationalist and one of the leading voices for Nigerian independence.
This proud lineage of civic responsibility and public service would echo through Babatunde’s life and later in the work of his own daughter, Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, the physician whose courageous actions during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Lagos saved countless lives.

Education and Medical Training

Adadevoh’s early schooling at Baptist Academy, Lagos, and Igbobi College, Yaba, prepared him for a life of rigorous scholarship. He began his medical studies at University College, Ibadan, then affiliated with the University of London, before moving to the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom to complete his degree.

His quest for advanced knowledge took him further afield: postgraduate work at the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital between 1962 and 1964 placed him in the company of some of the world’s leading medical scientists. These experiences broadened his vision and gave him the skills to help build Nigeria’s fledgling medical research infrastructure.

Academic Career and Research

By 1968, Adadevoh had become Professor of Chemical Pathology at the University of Ibadan, where he trained a generation of Nigerian medical scientists. His research spanned abnormal haemoglobins, reproduction, and family planning among African populations—fields that were vital to the development of public health strategies in a newly independent nation.

He also became the first editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Journal of Medical Sciences, creating a platform for Nigerian medical researchers to publish and share their findings at a time when opportunities for African scientists were scarce.

Leadership and Nation-Building

Adadevoh’s influence went far beyond the laboratory. He served as the first Director of the Medical Research Council of Nigeria, the body that later evolved into today’s Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). His leadership helped institutionalize medical research and set national standards for scientific inquiry.

In November 1978, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), a position he held until 1980. His tenure coincided with a turbulent period of military rule and student activism, yet he guided the institution through expansion and reform, reinforcing its status as one of Nigeria’s leading universities.

Adadevoh also worked closely with the Nigerian Medical Council, serving as Secretary to the Board in Physic (Medicine)—a role central to establishing professional standards and laying the groundwork for what would become the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, ensuring that Nigeria could train its own medical specialists without relying exclusively on overseas institutions.

A Sportsman and Scholar

Beyond the lecture halls and boardrooms, Adadevoh was a talented cricketer, representing his school, university, and even playing at national level. Cricket, a sport introduced during the colonial period, became for him both recreation and a symbol of the cosmopolitan education that defined Nigeria’s early professional elite.

Legacy and Family Continuity

Professor Adadevoh died on 5 October 1997, just one day after his 64th birthday. His legacy lives on in multiple ways:

in Nigeria’s strong postgraduate medical training system and research culture; in the many physicians and academics he mentored; and in the heroic example of his daughter, Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, whose courage during the Ebola crisis in 2014 echoed her father’s lifelong commitment to public health and national service.

Today, his life stands as a testament to the possibilities of visionary leadership in science and education—and to a family tradition of service that spans generations.

Sources:
Royal College of Physicians. “Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh.” Inspiring Physicians. history.rcp.ac.uk

Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF). “Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh.” blerf.org

University of Lagos Archives. “History of Vice-Chancellors.” unilag.edu.ng

Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and medical history—a bridge between the nationalist spirit of his grandfather Herbert Macaulay and the modern public health heroism of his daughter, Dr. Stella Adadevoh.

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Babatunde Omidina “Baba Suwe”: Life, Legacy and Struggles of a Comedy Legend

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Babatunde Omidina, popularly known by his stage name Baba Suwe, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comedians and actors, particularly in Yoruba Nollywood. His career blended humor, cultural storytelling, and relatable performances that endeared him to millions. While his life was marked by great creative success, it was also shaped by legal struggles and health challenges that tested his resilience.

Early Life, Family and Education

Baba Suwe was born on August 22, 1958, on Inabere Street, Lagos Island. Though he grew up in Lagos, he traced his roots to Ikorodu in Lagos State.

He began his education at Jamaitul Islamia Primary School in Lagos before attending a children’s boarding school in Osogbo. For secondary school, he enrolled at Adekanbi Commercial High School in Mile 12, Lagos, and later completed his West African School Certificate at Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo.

Some reports suggest he left formal education at Form Four due to his growing interest in theatre and performance. He was the only child of his parents, both of whom were traders.

Career and Rise to Stardom

Baba Suwe’s passion for acting began while he was still a student. He joined the Osumare Theatre Group and performed in stage plays, including Baoku. He began acting professionally around 1971 but rose to prominence with the film Omolasan, which was produced in Obalende.

His career breakthrough came with Iru Esin, produced by Olaiya Igwe in 1997, which established him as one of Yoruba Nollywood’s finest comic actors.

Over the years, Baba Suwe appeared in and produced numerous Yoruba films including Baba Jaiye Jaiye, Oju Oloju, Baba Londoner, and Aso Ibora. His style was defined by his ability to embody ordinary characters—often servants, guards, or everyday people—using humor, wit, and cultural nuance to reflect the experiences of Yoruba society.

Legal Troubles and Health Battles

In October 2011, Baba Suwe was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Lagos Airport on suspicion of cocaine trafficking. He was detained for several days, but the allegations were eventually dismissed. A Lagos High Court later ruled that the arrest was false and defamatory. Baba Suwe’s lawyer in the case was the late human rights advocate Bamidele Aturu.

The arrest deeply affected his reputation and, according to many colleagues and family members, contributed to a decline in his health. In subsequent years, he battled diabetes and related complications.

In 2019, he traveled to the United States for medical treatment, funded in part by donations from philanthropists and public figures. By 2021, reports indicated that he was struggling with mobility and required assistance with daily activities.

Death and Funeral

Baba Suwe died on November 22, 2021, at the age of sixty three. His son, Adesola Omidina, confirmed the news on social media.

He was buried at his residence in Ikorodu, Lagos State, beside his late wife, Mosurat Omidina, popularly known as Moladun Kenkelewu. His funeral was attended by colleagues, Islamic clerics, family members, and fans. Though debates arose regarding burial rites—including the use of a coffin, which diverges from traditional Islamic practice—his family and the entertainment community sought to honor him in a way befitting his stature as a cultural icon.

Legacy and Impact

Baba Suwe is remembered as a pioneer of Yoruba comedy in Nollywood, with a career that spanned decades and shaped the industry’s approach to humor. His characters reflected the lives of everyday people, and his timing and improvisational skills made him a household name.

Beyond his comedic legacy, his life story sheds light on the struggles of Nigerian entertainers, from inadequate health support to the consequences of wrongful persecution. His ordeal with the NDLEA and subsequent health decline remain cautionary tales in discussions of justice and celebrity welfare in Nigeria.

Today, his films continue to entertain audiences and inspire younger comedians. His name lives on as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of laughter in Nigerian cinema.

Sources

Punch Nigeria – “Rise to stardom, health battles, other things to know about comic actor Baba Suwe”
NaijaBeats – “The life and career of Baba Suwe”

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Jadesola Olayinka Akande (CON, OFR) (15 November 1940 – 29 April 2008)

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Jadesola Olayinka Akande (CON, OFR) (15 November 1940 – 29 April 2008) was a Nigerian lawyer, academic and author, widely regarded as Nigeria’s first female professor of law.

She was born in Ibadan, Oyo State (then in the Western Region). Her early schooling was at Ibadan People’s Girls School and St. Anne’s School, Ibadan. She later went to Barnstaple Girls Grammar School in Devon, England, where she completed her G.C.E Advanced Level, before studying law at University College London, graduating in 1963.

She was called to the bar at the Inner Temple, London, and completed training at the Nigerian Law School. She returned to Nigeria (circa 1965), and worked in the West Regional Civil Service as an Administrative Officer for a time before transitioning fully into academia and legal practice.

She joined the University of Lagos as a lecturer, earning her LLM and PhD along the way. In 1989, she was appointed the second Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, serving until 1993, at which point she stepped down from her academic post. In 2000, she was named Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, a role she held until 2004.

She was a member of the 1987 Constitutional Review Committee and also served on the Presidential Panel on National Security in 2000. In 1984, she established a Family Law Centre to provide legal aid for the underprivileged—a demonstration of her interest in women’s rights and social justice.

Today, she is remembered for her pioneering role in legal scholarship and advocacy in Nigeria.

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Alhaja Batile Alake: Pioneer of Waka Music in Nigeria

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Alhaja Batile Alake stands as a trailblazer in Nigerian music history, remembered for her pioneering role in transforming Waka into a celebrated and enduring genre. Through her groundbreaking career, she elevated a traditional Yoruba chant into a form of popular expression that influenced generations of musicians and reshaped Nigeria’s cultural soundscape.

A Pioneering Career

In the 1950s, Batile Alake made history as the first professional Waka singer to record an album. This achievement not only marked the formal recognition of Waka as a genre but also cemented her place as one of Nigeria’s foremost female musical innovators. Waka, which originated from the Yoruba rárà chant performed mainly by women at communal gatherings, was traditionally associated with praise singing and devotional expression. Alake’s decision to take the form into professional recording transformed it from a localised tradition into a commercially viable art form.

Her music was deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural heritage yet carried the influence of her Islamic faith. This combination gave Waka a unique identity distinct from other Nigerian musical genres of the time. Her pioneering step provided a platform for women’s voices in Nigeria’s male-dominated music industry, allowing Waka to gain both recognition and respect.

Musical Style and Performance

Batile Alake’s songs were distinguished by their strong percussive foundations and the use of call-and-response vocals, a hallmark of Yoruba music. She infused her performances with improvisation, which kept her work dynamic and engaging, whether on record or in live settings. Her lyrics often wove together religious themes with social commentary, creating a repertoire that resonated with audiences across social and cultural divides.

At weddings, naming ceremonies, and religious events, her music became a central feature of Yoruba social life. Women, in particular, embraced Waka as a form of collective identity, empowerment and celebration. Through her artistry, Batile Alake gave Waka a relevance that bridged both sacred and secular settings.

Cultural Legacy

Alhaja Batile Alake’s legacy is most powerfully seen in the generations of Waka performers who followed her path. Among the most prominent was Salawa Abeni, who would later be crowned the “Waka Queen.” Alake’s pioneering career opened doors for women to rise as professional musicians in Nigeria, at a time when cultural and industry barriers were formidable.

By elevating Waka from its traditional margins into mainstream Nigerian music, she ensured that Yoruba women’s artistic voices were preserved, celebrated and modernised. Her work also demonstrated how indigenous traditions could be adapted into modern forms without losing their cultural essence.

Passing and Remembrance

Alhaja Batile Alake passed away in 2013 at the age of 78 in her hometown of Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State. Her death marked the end of a remarkable era but also solidified her reputation as one of Nigeria’s greatest female music pioneers. Tributes poured in from cultural leaders, musicians, and admirers who recognised her invaluable role in shaping indigenous Nigerian music.

Today, she is remembered not only as a musician but also as a cultural custodian who gave legitimacy and visibility to an art form that might otherwise have remained confined to community gatherings. Her name continues to inspire new generations of Nigerian artists exploring traditional genres in contemporary contexts.

Sources

Vanguard News, “Waka Music Legend, Batile Alake, Dies at 78,” 10 October 2013
The Guardian Nigeria, “Alhaja Batile Alake: The Woman Who Paved the Way for Waka,” 2013
AllAfrica, “Nigeria: Remembering Batile Alake, Pioneer of Waka Music,” 2013

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