On Monday 20th November 2023, the Executive Committee of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) embarked on a condolence visit to Professor Oladele Kale FAS on the passing of his beloved wife, Major-General (rtd) Dr. Aderonke Kale, who passed on the 8th of November 2023. The Provost of CoMUI, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, led the CoMUI Executive Committee on this condolence visit.
Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, in the company of the Deputy Provost, Secretary to the College, Financial Controller, Medical Librarian, Deans of Clinical Sciences, Dentistry, and Basic Clinical Sciences, Controller of the Biomedical Communication Centre, Head of Administration, and others, conveyed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. The College of Medicine team expressed their deepest condolences to Professor Kale and his family.
In her opening remarks, Professor Omigbodun, who is also a psychiatrist, indicated that Major-General (rtd) Dr. Aderonke Kale was the second female Nigerian psychiatrist after Dr. Bertha Johnson, Nigeria’s first female psychiatrist. She also mentioned that Major-General (rtd) Dr. Aderonke Kale was the first woman to become a general in the Nigerian army. When asked to lead the prayer session, the Secretary to the College, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele expressed gratitude to God for the meaningful and fulfilling life lived by the deceased, praying for strength for the family to bear the loss.
The prayer session was followed by a moment of warm interaction, during which Professor Kale expressed his appreciation for the visit, especially considering that he had celebrated his 85th birthday the previous day, Sunday 19th November 2023. The atmosphere was filled with joy and humour as Professor Kale shared anecdotes from the past.
Professor Rotimi Oderinde, retired Professor of Chemistry at the University of Ibadan, the youngest brother of the deceased and in-law to Professor Oladele Kale, who was there with his wife Mrs. Oderinde, a retired Head of Pharmacy Department in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, also thanked the CoMUI management team and shared fond memories of the late Professor Aderonke Kale.
The condolence visit transitioned into a moment of shared joy as the CoMUI team and visitors present performed a karaoke of Professor Kale's favourite hymn, "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" a hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1738. The singing was led by the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, and harmoniously delivered by everyone present, including Professor Kale who sang along with tender beauty.
Thereafter, Professor Kale introduced a delegation from the Obalufon community in Ogun State, his hometown, expressing gratitude for their presence. The spokesperson for the delegates conveyed appreciation for the courtesy visit, and Mr. Oyebowale, a prince from Obalufon, commended the provost-led team for taking the time to pay their respects despite their busy schedule.
The College of Medicine team departed, leaving behind a sense of shared warmth and support during this difficult time for Professor Kale and his family.
You can watch the video of the visit here: WATCH HERE