Tributes and glowing commendations took centre stage on Thursday, 3rd September, 2026, as the Management, staff, family, and well-wishers gathered for the retirement ceremony of Mr. Reuben Olajide Ajibade, the Unit Administrator of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.
The ceremony marked the completion of over three decades of public service by Mr. Ajibade, who officially retired on September 1, 2026, upon reaching the milestone age of 60.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Akintunde Okeniyi, thanked God for Ajibade’s life and contributions to the hospital. He commended his diligence, professionalism, and commitment to service, wishing him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
The Director of Administration, Dr. Ayodeji Bobade, described Ajibade as a meticulous and detail-oriented administrator whose contributions to healthcare administration remained commendable. The former Director of Administration, Mr. Segun Fawole, also praised his accountability, loyalty and prompt response to issues, describing him as “a man of the people.”
Representing the Unit Administrators, Mr. Ayo Oladimeji commended Ajibade for his leadership at the Wesley Guild Hospital Unit, describing him as reputable, knowledgeable, and dependable. Family members and representatives of the Anglican Communion equally described him as a God-fearing and selfless man committed to public service and the church.
Born on 1st September, 1966, to the late Pa Rufus Akanbi Ajibade Akinlabi and late Madam Mercy Durodola Ajibade of Ashipa’s Compound, Ogbaaga-Gbongan, Ajibade began his education at St. Stephen’s Primary School, Ogbaaga-Gbongan, and later attended St. Paul’s Modern School, Gbongan, and Ife City College, Ile-Ife.
He obtained higher qualifications from the Oyo State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University, between 1988 and 1991, and further studied at the University of Port-Harcourt, Ibadan Study Centre, from 2000 to 2004.
Ajibade began his career in education as Headmaster of Blessing Nursery/Primary School, Ile-Ife, serving from September 1991 to July 1993. He joined OAUTHC on 26th July, 1993, as a Clerical Officer and rose through the administrative ranks to become Chief Executive Officer (Admin) on 1st January, 2019.
During his career, he served in various sections of the hospital complex, including the Chief Medical Director’s Office, Establishments Department (Records Section), School of Community Health Officers Training Programme (SCHOTP), and as Assistant to the Unit Administrator at the Ife Hospital Unit.
On 29th January, 2024, he was appointed the substantive Unit Administrator of Wesley Guild Hospital Unit, Ilesa, a position he held until his retirement.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of gifts and accolades, alongside prayers for God’s continued guidance, good health and fulfillment as Mr. Ajibade begins a new chapter of life.
Photo Credit: Jamiu Badru ANIPR
