Nigeria OAU Unveils N120 Million Bronze Statue of Chief Obafemi Awolowo

The Digest:

Obafemi Awolowo University has unveiled a towering seven-foot bronze statue of its namesake, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, donated by renowned art collector Prince Yemisi Shyllon for N120 million. The statue, depicting the sage in his Senior Advocate regalia, stands as a permanent tribute to his legacy of service and intellectual courage.

Key Points:

• OAU unveiled a N120 million bronze statue of Chief Obafemi Awolowo on its Ile-Ife campus.
• The seven-foot statue, donated by Prince Yemisi Shyllon, rests on a pedestal reaching 15 feet.
• Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Bamire described it as a legacy project celebrating selfless service.
• Donor Shyllon stated it honors Awolowo’s “purpose-driven life” and enduring societal impact.
• Awolowo’s daughter, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, thanked the donor and university for preserving his legacy.
• The statue is meant to inspire students toward leadership, excellence, and cultural stewardship.
  Dignitaries at the event highlighted Awolowo’s landmark achievements, including free education and OAU’s founding.

This monumental installation reinforces Awolowo’s lasting imprint on Nigerian education and public service, anchoring his ideals in the physical and moral landscape of the institution that bears his name.

Sources: Nigerian Tribune, OAU official statements.