I hoped that we would reminiscence over how I benefited from your act of kindness at an appropriate time in a relaxed atmosphere perhaps after your retirement. But it pleased God to call you home. In the last nine years following my employment as a junior faculty in the Department, you stood out as an outstanding father, a great mentor and a supportive PhD supervisor. I will never forget you for the several opportunities you made available to me professionally. I relished the moments you shared information, experiences and advice on how to succeed as a young scientist, thereby providing an example to follow. You were very approachable and never too busy to listen and empathize in my moments of distress and to others as well. I miss your thorough critiquing of my manuscripts and proposals. Furthermore, I attest that you have a soft, kind and compassionate personality. I was very touched, that night when the battery of my car refuse to power the engine. Stuck in the middle of the road with the heavy traffic jam I caused, you came to my rescue. On noticing it was my car you alighted to assist me, got into the driver’s seat of my broken-down car while I and your driver pushed until we found a safe place to park the car for the night. You graciously asked me to visit your house the following day to pick up your sons’ car battery until mine was fix. Indeed, I was moved by this show of humility, despite your high standing professionally. You rose to the defense of the oppressed and stood for whatever you believed in. Although you have physically departed, you will forever be remembered for the many positive impacts you made in my life and those of others. Adieu respected Professor and mentor.! Adewale OPAYELE

Farewell to a Beatiful Soul – Prof. David Olaleye Words are inadequate to fully express our shock upon learning of your sudden departure. When the news broke it was unbelievable, and we hoped and prayed that it would not be so; but we were soon confronted by the reality. The experience has left us speechless…. You were a good brother, father, husband, uncle, colleague, partner, friend and mentor to many. You were peace loving and had a great and amiable personality. It is difficult to find anyone who does not have very kind and fond memories of you. Your good works and kind words to others are well documented and your memory shall linger for a very long time. You were always there for us, in smooth and in rough times, supporting, consoling and encouraging. You were a strong believer in fairness and justice and peace. We say thank for your selfless service and dedication to people of all creed and tribe. We truly appreciate you and we shall strive to keep your legacy alive. You lived a good life, and it is our firm belief that the good Lord shall welcome you into His Presence in Heaven as a reward for your faithfulness. Although our hearts may be broken, we do not despair because we trust that you now rest with the Lord in a wonderful place. Good night Prof. Continue to rest in perfect peace. - Sly Maduforo

Prof. O.D. Olaleye was a wonderful mentor, teacher, and father. He was a diligent worker with a sharp mind. He devoted himself entirely to the system and to teaching junior faculty members. I can't thank him enough for the MEPIN trainings I received. He touched so many people's lives. He taught us how to be good scholars and encouraged young faculty to learn the act of grantmanship. He will be greatly missed. Bose Orimadegun

Prof had a unique way of folding the curtain in his office, to catch a glimpse of what's going on around...., but alas! the curtain has symbolically fallen. He has made indelible marks in my career. I can't forget how he called me into his office about 3 days before my PhD oral exam (defense) to tutor me and boost my confidence. I was also very surprised to see him show up in person at the dedication of my son. Nigeria would have ran into trouble for lack of personnel to handle molecular diagnostics, especially at the beginning of the ongoing pandemic if not for the the number of people that have been trained with facilities made available through his unselfish efforts. He has a way of using his personal life experience, through stories, to address every situation. You instill in us to always aim for the best, especially when it comes to publishing articles. So many memories of you to share. In summary, I can say again and again that you impacted your world. Goodnight My Prof. - Dr Olukunle Oluwasemowo

…. yes, indeed, a great ICON is gone! A man of high moral principle, uncommon mentor-ship qualities, a wonderful counselor, a prolific writer, a great planner and an epitome of intelligence and academic excellence is gone! A diligent and prudent researcher and a virologist of high repute is gone! But for the fact that “… there is time for everything, a time to be born and time to die …” (Eccl3:1), one would have asked, why did this happen? Professor David Olufemi Olaleye was a sacrificial giver, who greatly touched and impacted many lives. He did not stop at giving tangible things, he gave and gave, even his own life, as a gallant soldier while fighting the monster called “COVID-19”. Whether anyone likes or dislikes, agrees or disagrees, believes or disbelieves, Prof., you have run the race, finished the course of life and have gone to rest, where one can work no more. Rest in peace great ICON, till we meet to part no more.

Of all Professor Olaleye's qualities, his selflessness is the most outstanding. He gave of himself to younger faculty, the institution and his country. He was humble, considerate and forthright. He had special talent to remember the university rules, regulations, tradition and practices. An Iroko scholar has fallen and it will many decades for the University to find of some of Professor ability, commitment, vision and talent. Ademola Ajuwon One of Professor Olaleye's mentees

The news of your demise came as a rude shock. We indeed lost a giant. Thank you sir for introducing me to the ropes of Research.Continue to rest Prof OD Olaleye.

Dad, indeed you were a good man. May your soul rest in peace. May the heart of all loved ones be comforted.

Believing that you are no longer with us is hard, knowing you was a blessing and your departure left lessons here for all of us. That you came to the world and you left fulfilled gave us joy (though you definitely had so many unfinished assignments), and we are happy that you conquered while you were here. Highly principled and uneasy to change when he is determined. Your kind is rare!. We love you for so many lives that you had touched with your wealth of knowledge and influence, we will for ever be grateful to God on what He had used you to do in our lives. Adieu our Virology daddy, sleep on O. D., Rest well and keep resting Prof. Olufemi David Olaleye. From KAYODE Olalekan Victor. Department of Virology.

We received with rude shock, the death of our beloved Professor David Olufemi Olaleye. During his life time, he was our father, friend and boss. We commiserate with the immediate family, friends and colleagues for this irreparable loss. We take solace for the fact that he came, saw and conquered. He contributed and impacted lives positively at local, national and international levels. He left an indelible footprint and footnote in the field of science especially VIROLOGY. We would continue to remember his good work for a long time to come. We pray that God will comfort and console the immediate family and all us. Adieu Prof. Olaleye We love you but God love you most. Rest in the bosom of our Lord. Mr. & Mrs S.O. Ayansina Immediate Past Financial Controller, COM., UI.

We received with rude shock, the death of our beloved Professor David Olufemi Olaleye. During his life time, he was our father, friend and boss. We commiserate with the immediate family, friends and colleagues for this irreparable loss. We take solace for the fact that he came, saw and conquered. He contributed and impacted lives positively at local, national and international levels. He left an indelible footprint and footnote in the field of science especially VIROLOGY. We would continue to remember his good work for a long time to come. We pray that God will comfort and console the immediate family and all us. Adieu Prof. Olaleye We love you but God love you most. Rest in the bosom of our Lord. Mr. & Mrs S.O. Ayansina Immediate Past Financial Controller, COM., UI.

A great achiever, a mentor of a kind, an icon in the academia....we love you and but God loves you most. Rest in the bosom of the Lord

Many called you Professor, others called you Innovator, Mentor, Guarantor and a Trailblazer. Astute Scholar with a Brilliant Mind, Beautiful Soul and large heart you were. You were all these and even more to us. We called you Dad. You knew the way, showed the way, lit the way, went the way and led the way. You fought the good fight of faith, finished your race. You've gone the way of the heroes of faith. I know for sure you're smiling as you watch us from Heaven. You have joined the festal gathering of myriads of angels in their joyous celebration! You're sorely missed, but sweet are your memories. Your legacy lives on. You are forever in our hearts.