Soyode spoke when Kolapo paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Abeokuta as part of her consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The former university don, who is the Life President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Abeokuta Club, said although his last one-on-one interaction with Kolapo was more than two decades ago, he still remembered her with admiration and appreciation.
According to him, Kolapo distinguished herself during the period they interacted professionally, particularly through her objectivity and supportive disposition.
“It was about 20 years ago that we saw last. I finished my tenure as VC at Ago Iwoye, April 2006. Even with the passage of time, I remember Alhaja with admiration, with appreciation.
“She was one editor that was very supportive, very objective, and with integrity.”
Kolapo, who is running alongside the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, said her visit was also an opportunity to pay respect to one of the illustrious sons of Egbaland whose contributions and integrity had earned him the admiration of many.
She described Soyode as one of the “very few illustrious sons of Egbaland that true sons and daughters are very proud of.”
“I’ve always known you, our father, to be a man of integrity. We, the younger ones look up to you. That was why when I was told about your book launch and birthday celebration, I said I had to be part of it. Your support and prayers today mean a lot to me,” she stated.
Kolapo used the occasion to seek the support and prayers of the former OOU Vice Chancellor for the PDP ticket ahead of the 2027 election, stressing the importance of experienced stakeholders in the political process.
In his response, Soyode prayed for the success of the PDP governorship ticket, saying that as a stakeholder in Ogun State, he had a responsibility to be interested in who governs the state.
