By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Thursday, held a special celebration to honour the late highlife legend, Chief Oladipupo Owomoyela, popularly known as Dr Orlando Owoh.
According to Tribune Online, the university marked his legacy with a colloquium and cultural showcase, organised in partnership with his global fan group.
The event, hosted by LASU’s School of Creativity, Culture and Tourism, also saw the conferment of Ambassadorial Fellowships on two distinguished Nigerians: Chief Mutiu Adepoju, a renowned football administrator and former international player and coach, and Dr Adebusola Onilogbo-Odedina, a cultural advocate and Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Council of Arts and Culture.
Speaking during the event, the Dean of the School, Prof. Tunji Azeez, emphasised the importance of celebrating the life and achievements of the late musician, particularly how his work fostered culture and creativity.
He described Orlando Owoh as “a man with many parts” whose music “positively touched many lives beyond Nigeria.” Prof. Azeez also commended his family, highlighting his three children—Orimipe, Kunle, and Daisi Owoh—who have all followed in their father’s musical footsteps.
He added that LASU regarded Owoh’s music as inspirational and relevant to many aspects of life.
The event featured a lecture titled “Reflecting the Contribution of Dr Orlando Owoh,” delivered by Prof. Isaac Yekini-Ajenifuja, a Professor of Music at LASU.
The event featured a lecture titled “Reflecting the Contribution of Dr Orlando Owoh,” delivered by Prof. Isaac Yekini-Ajenifuja, a Professor of Music at LASU. He chronicled Owoh’s life, including his involvement in theatre, the military, and his career as a full-time musician, as well as his eventual passing. Dr Orlando Owoh passed away in 2008 at the age of 76.
Prof. Yekini-Ajenifuja lauded the late musician’s virtues, calling his contributions to the music industry, national development, and society “priceless.”
He noted that Orlando Owoh’s ‘Kennery’ style of music was rich in creativity and culture, drawing inspiration from Yoruba folklore, personal experiences, and the Bible across his more than 45 albums.
He further urged the government, especially in the South-west, and private individuals to establish a museum in Owoh’s honour, explaining that such a site would preserve his legacy, promote tourism, create jobs, and generate revenue for the economy.
On the sidelines, Mr Orimipe Olatunbosun Owoh, first son of the late musician and president of his global fan group, expressed profound gratitude to LASU for celebrating his father.
He said the recognition would inspire the family, particularly those pursuing music, to continue contributing to the industry and national development.
He also committed to following up on the proposal to establish a museum in his father’s memory.
Chief Mutiu Adepoju, who was also honoured as an Ambassador of LASU’s School of Creativity, Culture and Tourism, described the recognition as a testament that his contributions to sport and Nigeria have not been forgotten.
“This honour means a lot to me because it shows that people and a university for that matter have not forgotten the little I have done and contributed through sport to Nigeria and humanity, and I feel humbled about the development,” he said.
He added that he sees creativity in sports as well as culture and pledged to continue promoting the study and practice of culture and tourism in Nigeria.