Mrs. Olumuyiwa Balogun-Adesanmi, widow of the late Professor Pius
Adesanmi, has described her late husband as a man who lived according to
what he preached across various platforms while alive.
This was as she expressed gratitude in a statement issued in Ottawa,
Canada to the continued “glowing” tributes that have been pouring in
from all walks of life and from across the globe in respect of the
demise of her husband and the support received, adding that her “husband
was an uncommon breed. He wrote about human rights, gender equality and
human dignity. He practised what he preached.”
Pius Adesanmi, a Canada-based Nigerian Professor, was one of the 157
victims on the ill-fated flight 305 of the Ethiopian Airlines which
crashed last Sunday shortly after takeoff.
The widow’s statement read, “I have no words to describe the depths
of my pain on the untimely passing of my husband, Pius Adesanmi. He was
an extraordinary scholar, husband, devoted father and a fine gentleman.
He was an uncommon breed. He wrote about human rights, gender equality
and human dignity. He practised what he preached. I am a living witness
to the kindness of his soul and love for others.
“Pius Adesanmi enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Our
daughter Tise’s words often tugged at his heart every time he needed to
travel. He compensated for his regular absences by being generous with
his time. He was witty, funny and a joy to behold.
“My family and I have been touched by the incredible demonstrations
of support and waves of condolences sent our way. I have learned about
people of all ages and backgrounds, who never met Pius Adesanmi but
broke down in tears when they learned of his death.
“I am comforted by the sheer enormity of the lives he touched. He
lived and died in pursuit of a better world. He lived and died in
service to Africa. Nigeria was dear to his heart and he longed for
Nigeria’s development. Pius Adesanmi was also a Canadian citizen and
deeply appreciated the blessings of making Canada home.
“I appreciate the tremendous support from the Canadian and the
Nigerian governments. The administration, students and faculty at
Carleton University have been exemplary in our moment of grief. The
academic community in Canada, Nigeria and around the world have been
immense in their tributes. I applaud all individuals and institutions
around the world that have held or plan to hold vigils, processions and
other events to mark my husband’s transition.
“I thank all local, national and international media organizations
for their professionalism in the coverage of the unfortunate crash. Our
extended family, neighbours, and friends from all areas of human
endeavour have stood solidly by us. I am deeply grateful. Mo dupe, E se
pupo, Merci. Thank you.
“Pius Adebola Adesanmi, the whole family misses you. I miss you. I
miss your laughter, ebullience, reassuring presence as well as the
effervescence and incandescence of your person. ‘Bola, you were an
uncommon star in the firmament of God’s creation. Oko mi, sun re o
(sleep well, my husband). O daro o. Goodnight, Okun ‘Bola,” her
statement concluded.