Department, Faculty, Family, Pay Tribute to Dr. H. M. Sewapo

Aduwo Ayodele

The Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, has on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, held an evening of tributes in honour and memory of religious scholar and distinguished lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies, the Very Reverend Dr. Honor Mahupego Sewapo, who passed away on December 14, 2023.

The solemn gathering which was held at the Faculty of Arts Quadrangle, had in attendance colleagues, lecturers, students, guests, and family members of the deceased.

Dignitaries that graced the event and also eulogised the deceased include, the Dean of Arts, Professor Oyetade; the Head of the Department of Religious Studies, Professor O.O Familusi; Representative of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Dare Ogunleye; Representative of the Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies, Professor Adekunle Dada; Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Oyebamiji Babalola, among many others.

Giving his tribute, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Solomon Oyewole Oyetade, shared compelling stories of personal experiences, sacrifices, and endeavours of Dr. Sewapo.

“We are gathered to pay tribute to our brother who died on the 14th of December. How I wish it was another kind of celebration. But God understands everything. Our times are in his hand like the scripture says.”

Expressing his deep regrets, the Dean noted that the deceased was a man of good report.

“I want to testify to his humanity, brilliance and dedication. He was a man of good report. We thank God for the good quality life he lived”, he said.

In his tribute, the Head of the Department of Religious Studies, Professor O.O Familusi, described the late Dr. Sewapo as a high-flyer, prolific and profound.

“We as a Department cannot chronicle our loss. Dr. Sewapo was the engine room of our Postgraduate program. He was not too big to tender an apology even when he had not offended. He worked expeditiously as a lecturer”, the HOD said.

“He was a prolific and profound scholar. He was to be a high-flyer, and indeed he was. It is well, it will always be well. We are consoled that we will meet again”, Professor Familusi added.

In his sermon taken from the Bible, John chapter 12, Reverend S.I Daniel, of the Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan, noted that “the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

In procession, the Hymns titled “It is Well”, “Rock of Ages”, “Peace! Be Still!” and “My Faith looks up to Thee” were rendered in a heartfelt manner, with the scripture reading taken from the Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-8.

In his closing remark, the Head of the Department of Religious Studies, Professor Familusi appreciated the entire staff and students of the department, faculty management and the University of Ibadan community for making the solemn assembly worthwhile.

“Thank you to all who have made this solemn assembly worthwhile in honour of our beloved colleague, teacher, friend and mentor. We pray that God Almighty will comfort us all, and grant you a safe journey to your various destinations”, he said.