Dr. Folahan “Fola” Babafemi Soremekun

Dr. Folahan “Fola” Babafemi Soremekun, age 90, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, after a period of illness—a devoted husband, father, educator, pioneer, historian, and leader. Fola leaves behind a legacy of faith, inspiration, and service.

Born on October 10, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, he was the firstborn son of the late David Otolorin Soremekun and Felicia Olufunke Sonubi.

Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, he attended the prestigious Methodist Boys High School (MBHS), known for the alma mater that defined his life’s trajectory: Non Sibi Sed Aliis, meaning “Not for us but for others.” He left Nigeria in 1956, striking out on the cusp of its independence from Britain, seeking education and opportunity in the United States. His captivating journey and life story of service are best recorded in his autobiography “America Boy: A Life Inspired by American Ideals,” published in 2018.

Fola earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Illinois Wesleyan University and completed a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in African Studies at Northwestern University by 1965.

His career was marked with many firsts, including helping to pioneer the African Studies program at Northwestern University, the history program at the University of Zambia in Lusaka, and the study of Portuguese-speaking African countries (Lusophone area studies). In 2012, he retired from Citrus College with over fifty years of experience as a pioneer in African Studies, having taught globally.

Beyond academia, Dr. Soremekun was a man of deep faith, committed to serving his family, nation, and humanity. He loved life and enjoyed discovering new places, people, and knowledge. He loved and provided for his family well, often teaching lessons about life and history to his three daughters, whom he raised with his wife, Elizabeth. Driven by the unique passions their parents developed in them, his children Manita, Morenike, and Kristina went on to become a doctor, a lawyer, and a counselor, respectively, and eventually married, some having children of their own.

After retiring, Fola and Elizabeth further pursued their dream of starting a school together, to raise a new generation of leaders in Africa by co-founding Highlands Education International (HEI). Together, they built the HEI school on Mambilla Plateau, Gembu, Taraba State, Nigeria, using their retirement savings and charitable donations to break ground in 2006. To date, the school has about 500 students from preschool to senior secondary school, has become a beacon to the rural communities it serves, and has graduated multiple classes of students who have gone on to colleges and universities around Nigeria.

Towards the sunset of his life, Fola not only helped guide and promote HEI, but he was prolific in writing acrostics, writing and recording music, and other events, including in his native tongue of Yoruba. He had a deep love of music and culture that he did not pursue early in life, so he used his passion to catalog his diverse world music collection on Long Play records and encourage his grandson to pursue music performance and a music degree. He occasionally taught HEI students various topics and shared his wisdom and perspectives with his grandchildren and others he met.

Fola is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dr. Elizabeth Ann (Olutumbi) Soremekun, a retired professor of Education; his children, Pastor (Dr.) Manita (and spouse, Pastor James Fadel) of Fairview, Texas, Morenike (and spouse, Emmanuel Ogebe) of Springfield, Virginia, and Kristina (and spouse, Jonathan DePinet of Flagstaff, Arizona; his grandchildren Tolani Fadel, Dara Fadel, Jonathan Ogebe, Gracina Ogebe, and Simi Fadel; his brothers and sisters, Mrs. Opeoluwa Ibironke Oshodi, Lady Olabisi Bolawa Uaboi, Mrs. Olubukunola Afolabi, Mr. Emmanuel Oyinlola Soremekun, and Mr. Babatunde Taiwo Soremekun; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and late brother, Mr. Olusegun Oladele Soremekun.

Reflection: Dr. Folahan Babafemi Soremekun lived a life defined by faith, scholarship, cultural pride, and unwavering dedication to the next generation. Whether in the classroom or his global community, he imparted wisdom with warmth and humility. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all blessed enough to know him, yet his influence continues through the minds and hearts he shaped and transformed. May his legacy of education and service endure for many generations to come.

All who knew Dr. Fola Soremekun are invited to a Service of Songs on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at RCCG New Life Church Dallas, Texas. A celebration of life is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Allen Family Funeral Options. There will be a brief reception after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Highlands Education International (HEI), supporting educational opportunities for students in Africa, an organization co-founded by Drs. Fola and Elizabeth Soremekun. The charity’s website is https://www.highlandseducation.org. Contributions can be mailed to HEI, 68 Weston Drive, Fairview, TX 75069.