By Habeeb Ibrahim
Professor Adebowale Wale Omole, former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and Chairman of The Guardian Newspapers Editorial Board, has died at the age of 84.
Omole reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, 2026, according to family sources.
His death was confirmed by his first son, Dr Damola Omole, who said the late academic had been in high spirits before going to bed on Tuesday.
Speaking on his father’s final hours, Damola said Omole had planned to attend the weekly editorial board meeting of The Guardian on Wednesday but showed no indication of ill health before his death.
Born to Pa Emmanuel Adedeji Omole and Mama Beatrice Aarinola Omole, the deceased attended Ilesa Grammar School between 1956 and 1962 before proceeding to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.
He later obtained a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Alberta, Canada, in 1973.
Omole became a professor in 1980 and was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture in 1983, becoming the first alumnus of the institution to occupy the position.
He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of OAU on November 30, 1991, becoming the first graduate of the institution to lead the university. He served in the position until November 30, 1999.
After his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Omole became Chairman of The Guardian Newspapers Editorial Board, where he contributed to national conversations on governance, education, federalism and development.
He also served as chairman of the governing councils of two universities and was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in 2013.
Beyond academia and journalism, Omole was involved in the establishment of the Yoruba Academy, an organisation dedicated to promoting Yoruba language and cultural heritage.
He also established the Wale Omole Foundation for Virtues and Ethics in Yoruba Culture to promote the Omoluabi philosophy, provide scholarships and support educational development.
The late professor was a strong advocate of mother-tongue education, arguing that children should receive early education in their indigenous languages.
In August 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated Omole on his 80th birthday, describing him as a distinguished scholar who returned to Nigeria after studying abroad and left a significant legacy at OAU.
Omole is survived by his children and other family members.
