The former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has described first Nigerian professor of medicine, Emeritus Professor Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi as an illustrious indigen of Ogun State who was instrumental in putting the State and Nigeria on the world map.

The former Governor, while commiserating with the family of the late Professor in a personal letter, said Professor Ogunlesi made Ogun State and Nigeria proud through his meritorious career, exceptional brilliance, hard work and selfless service.

According to him, the late Professor would be remembered for producing several generations of medical professionals who are today responsible members of society and are impacting humanity positively across the world.

“I commiserate with the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the entire Ogunlesi family, on the passing away of the first Nigerian professor of medicine, Emeritus Professor Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi.

“Emeritus Prof. Ogunlesi was an illustrious indigene of Ogun State who made our dear State and indeed Nigeria proud through his meritorious career, exceptional brilliance, hard work, and selfless service.

“As the first Nigerian Professor of Medicine, Prof. Ogunlesi was instrumental in putting Ogun State and Nigeria on the world map through his immense contributions to the growth of medicine.

“Emeritus Prof. Theophilus Ogunlesi, the first Nigerian to head the Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, will also be remembered for producing several generations of medical professionals who are today responsible members of society and are impacting humanity positively across the world.

“Though Prof. Ogunlesi had to leave at a time when his wise counsel could still be beneficial to many, we take comfort in his good works, accomplishments, and legacies.”

Amosun revealed that the late Professor was very supportive of his administration, adding that he would miss his fatherly disposition towards his family.

“On a more personal note, I will miss his fatherly disposition towards me and my family, his words of advice, encouragement, and prayers. Indeed, he was very supportive of our administration when I served as Governor of Ogun State.

“May the Almighty God grant the doyen of the medical profession eternal rest, and give his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the entire Ogunlesi family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Professor Ogunlesi died last Thursday at the ripe age of 99.