E. Ojo Arewa Sr.

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Ohio State University University of Michigan University of Nebraska

E. Arewa Obituary

Arewa, Sr. E. Ojo Arewa, Sr., aged 79, passed away in Chicago on March 11, 2015. Ojo Arewa was born in Nigeria. After completing his secondary education in Nigeria, he attended the University of Nebraska, where he received a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, the University of Michigan, and the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a Ph.D. in Anthropology. He was a Professor of Anthropology at The Ohio State University for more than two decades. He is survived by his son, Ojo Jr.; daughters, Toyin and Funmi, ex-wife, Bobbie Darden-Arewa; and a host of family members in Nigeria and the United States. The family appreciates the many kindnesses of the staff at Harmony Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Chicago. Funeral services private. Expressions of sympathy and remembrances may be left at the Facebook Memorial Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/eojoarewa/. Donations in lieu of flowers, may be directed in memory of Dr. E. Ojo Arewa, Sr. to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. www.dementiasociety.org.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for E. Arewa

13 Entries

Roy Ale

June 13, 2020

I met him In Nigeria back in the 80s as my father Mr Ale introduced me to Arewa branch of the family tree. Prof E, gave me inspiration and I will never forget his smile and energy to lift any gathering. Yesterday, I went on the internet to find him and realised I was 5 years late.

My condolences to the family and one day are paths shall cross again.

Love from Australia.

Gretchen Stranges

July 3, 2019

I recall Ojo as my neighbor, who was often walked about being followed by a white cat. He was always friendly and like to have a chat. I too was an Anthropology student at OSU, but never had the pleasure of attending one of his classes. ~Gretchen ( class of '97)

Elizabeth Osborn

March 15, 2019

Ojo introduced me to anthropology when I was an undergraduate and continued to mentor me through my graduate years. We were friends who spent many hours talking about global issues but more often telling life stories. Ojo had a gift of making the everyday important. He held his ancestors close to him and introduced me to them. I often look back on our conversations and use some of them in my own teaching. Thank you Ojo.

Jill Dauchy

December 15, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family, friends and students whom I know he loved so much. His laughter and teachings remain with us, and we can be comforted that dear Ojo is reunited with his ancestors.

November 4, 2015

Baba, it is sad you are gone so soon. I just heard about it. We miss you. Rest in peace Sun re ohooo!!! Baba Arewa.
Tunde Aiyeru & Family

May 11, 2015

Ojo was my mentor, advisor and friend. I would always ask him why he did not take as many vacations as he should and he would tell me - I prefer to vacation with my students over a brilliant conversation or friends over coffee. I cannot express my sympathy, nor can I express how much I learned from Ojo Arewa. Thank-you Ojo

Karen Muir

April 30, 2015

Ojo Arewa drew me into Anthropology as an undergraduate, and supported me through my PhD (serving as my advisor). He supported me as a student and as a friend.
Ojo was always excited about some new idea or a new variant of an old idea. He did not draw intellectual/disciplinary boundaries but was constantly integrating and synthesizing. His energy was boundless, as was his quest for knowledge.
The picture of him drinking palm wine with the ancestors appeals to me as well. (thank you, Timothy)

Timothy Nieberding

April 29, 2015

I was one of his students in the mid-80s. He was my graduate advisor. Always smiling, always laughing. I hope he is enjoying palm wine with the ancestors.

Gene Poirier

April 29, 2015

For over 20 years I considered Ojo my best friend at OSU. His family and mine spent many, many great moments together. It has been at least that long since I last saw or spoke with Ojo. I always, always deeply regretted that long silence. I am beyond sad to hear of his passing.
we send all of you our thoughts. Know, please, that he was proud of each of you and told me so many, many times.

James Pritchett

March 25, 2015

I took an undergraduate class with Professor Ojo J. Arewa at Ohio State University back around 1977. It was only the second class that I had ever taken on anthropology and my first formal course that focused solely on Africa. It was a transformative experience. As an African American I had always had a lay interest in the history and cultures of the African continent. But Prof. Arewa's class moved that interest to a new level. Quite frankly, I was obsessed with the material. I virtually memorized every word of every book he assigned. I was spellbound by Prof. Arewa's lectures in general, but especially intrigued by the stories of his childhood in Nigeria. I arrived in each class with a ton of questions, thoughtfully prepared, and professor patiently addressed them all. And yet I hung around after class asking even more questions. I attended his office-hours regularly. I remember his stories about his high school years back in Nigeria, where despite coming from less than prosperous circumstances, he nevertheless always managed to be first in his class. As a result, he was periodically called upon to take over and teach the class whenever the regular teacher was ill. Interestingly, although I have no memory of Prof. Arewa being ill, he did call upon me to take over his class whenever he needed to be away, such as presenting a paper at a conference. Hence, Prof. Arewa provided me with my first teaching experience at the university level. I would go on to graduate with a B.A. in Anthropology from OSU, and then on to Harvard University for my M.A. and PhD. I have had a rich and wonderful life as an Anthropologist. I have travel the world and spent many years living and doing research in Africa. I have encountered many wonderful professors and mentors along the way. But like many things in life, one always has special memories of the first. And for that reason the ideas and images of Prof. Arewa will reside with me forever. Rest in peace Prof.

James A. Pritchett
Professor of Anthropology
Michigan State University

Diana Rigg

March 24, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a student of Dr. Arewa in the mid 1970's at The Ohio State University. I enjoyed his classes greatly. He brought much energy to his work along with humor. We are all diminished by his passing.

Adeleye Adewale Samuel

March 23, 2015

May almighty God repose his gentle soul, R
IP till we meet and part no more.

Verna L Holoman

March 22, 2015

Dear Arewa Family,

Although I am very sad to learn of Dr. Arewa's passing, the joyful memories of the times I spent with him and the family mitigate that sadness. The warm welcoming spirit, sincerity, mentally exercising debates and laughter we shared shall be with me always. What a scholar, one who was able to provoke deep thought without intimidation.

My life has been enriched because our paths crossed and remained at that intersection for a significant period of time, especially during my days at The Ohio State University.

May his love for you, your love for him and the fondest memories of your lives together provide great peace now and in the future.

Be blessed always.

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