Scholars, diplomats, writers, and friends from across the world gathered on Wednesday, August 20, for an Evening of Tributes, organised by The Electoral Hub in honour of the late Professor Okello Oculi, the Ugandan-born intellectual and pan-Africanist who died in Abuja on July 26, 2025.
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The event was held at The Electoral Institute (TEI) (INEC Annex) in Abuja and streamed online via Zoom, and was anchored by development expert Dr. Amina Salihu. It featured tributes from Washington DC, Nairobi, Kampala, Dakar, Switzerland, and Nigeria. The event celebrated the global reach of Oculi’s works and his nearly five decades of contributions to Nigerian academic and political life.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim Jibo, described Oculi as “a thinker who lived and breathed Africa.” He recalled Oculi’s pioneering work at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he mentored generations of students.
Nigeria’s former Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, said Oculi was “one of the stars who made the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences the envy of others,” adding that his intellectual brilliance helped define an era of scholarship in Zaria.
Kenyan governor, political scientist and Oculi’s former classmate at Makerere University, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, highlighted the enduring value of his works. “His poetry is still taught in East African schools, and his voice for Pan-Africanism remains timeless. Okello lived for Africa, and even in death, his work must continue,” he said.
Dr. Yusuf Bangura, who worked alongside him at ABU, remembered his storytelling style and uncompromising African worldview. “Okello’s entire worldview was structured around Africa’s quest for dignity, power and independence. Even when you disagreed with him, he had a way of pulling you back to Africa’s centre,” Bangura added.
Speaking from Washington DC, Prof. Nzongola Ntalaja recalled their years together at the University of Wisconsin. “Okello was never just a political scientist. He carried the fire of Pan-Africanism into every room. We argued, we laughed, but he always left you thinking differently.”
The Ugandan High Commission in Nigeria, who was represented by Dr. Omara Sam, hailed Oculi as “a truly African son,” noting his decision to build his life and career in Nigeria rather than return to Uganda under Idi Amin’s regime.
Closing the tributes, Wole Olaoye described Oculi as “a many-sided persona, academic, writer, activist, and patriot whose voice will be missed but never forgotten.”
Tributes also came from the Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Dr. Dauda Garuba, who praised Oculi’s role in connecting scholarship to grassroots struggles.
The publisher of Intervention, Mr. Adagbo Onoja, highlighted Oculi’s “uncompromising intellectual honesty,” while foremost political scientist Prof. Adele Jinadu, reflected on Oculi’s unique ability to blend literature with political science.
In attendance via Zoom was the CEO of AkweyaTV, Odoh Diego Okenyodo. Country Director of MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima, and the Executive Director of CITAD, YZ Ya’u, were also present.
The “Evening of Tributes” marked the beginning of the final rites for the late scholar. A Service of Songs was held today, August 21, and a funeral service will be held on Friday, August 22, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Lifecamp, Abuja, before interment at Gudu Cemetery.
Provisions for e-invites was announced, and the event closed with a group photograph for both physical and online participants.
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