Professor Ademola Adeniyi Afonja

With heavy hearts but gratitude to God for His gift to us and a life well-lived, we announce that Professor Ademola Adeniyi Afonja, 84, very peacefully arose into glory on October 6, 2024, at his home in Grand Prairie, Texas. Born on July 30, 1940, in Ijebu-Jesa, Nigeria, to Chief Samuel Ajeigbe Afonja and Mrs. Victoria Ibiyemi Afonja, Ademola grew up in Ado-Ekiti, where his journey of excellence began.

Ademola’s pursuit of knowledge and dedication to education took him far from his roots in Nigeria. He graduated from Christ School in Ado-Ekiti in 1960, after which he embarked on an extraordinary academic journey. He was awarded the Elder Dempster Nigerian Independence Scholarship, becoming one of Nigeria’s bright young scholars to attend university in England. At the University of Durham (Kings College) in Newcastle, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master's Degree in Industrial Metallurgy and Management at Aston University, Birmingham. His thirst for knowledge led him to complete a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Metal Forming) at Aston, where he also began his teaching career.

In 1969, Ademola returned to Nigeria, taking up a role as a lecturer at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where his passion for education and innovation flourished. He helped pioneer the field of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, creating Sub-Saharan Africa's first dedicated program in the field. As the first indigenous professor of the program, he became a beloved teacher, mentor, and colleague. His leadership roles included serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Technology and as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), where he worked tirelessly to enhance the university’s academic standards.

A scholar of remarkable distinction, Professor Afonja authored five books and over 70 academic articles. His works ranged from metallurgy to climate change, reflecting his lifelong commitment to addressing Nigeria’s and the world’s scientific and environmental challenges. Throughout his life, he received numerous prestigious awards, including fellowships from UNIDO, MIT, and the National Research Council of Canada.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Professor Ademola Adeniyi Afonja was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Professor Similolu Adunni Afonja, in Birmingham, England. Their marriage spanned 56 blissful years, filled with love, companionship, and shared faith. Together, they raised a beautiful family and co-authored a book on marriage that served as a testimony to their deep bond.

Professor Ademola Adeniyi Afonja’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith, kindness, and humility. He was a lover of peace, always working to bring reconciliation and unity wherever he went. Known for his warmth, wit, and wisdom, he was a man who found joy in the simple things—whether fixing household items, collecting music, or tending to his garden. His deep love for his family and dedication to serving God and humanity was evident in all he did. He lived by his belief that "there is always a solution. You just have to patiently keep looking."

Ademola was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Chief Samuel Ajeigbe Afonja and Mrs. Victoria Ibiyemi Afonja. He is survived by his loving wife, Similolu, his cherished children, grandchildren, siblings and a legacy of students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Professor Afonja’s life will be held at Emerald Hills Funeral Home, 500 Kennedale Sublett Rd, Kennedale, TX 76060, on November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the family greeting friends and loved ones from 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Emerald Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

Condolences can be left on his online guest book at [https://www.emeraldhillsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/ademola-afonja].

The family extends their deepest gratitude to all our family and friends for their love and support during this time.

There are many valiant and noble ones, but you have ascended above them all! Proverbs 31:29

Our darling husband and father, ‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you... Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn’ (Isaiah 60: 1-4).

Rest in perfect peace, Professor Ademola Adeniyi Afonja. Your light will forever shine in our hearts.