

In loving memory of Professor FGI Omiunu, forever cherished, deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Obituary
With deep sadness, but gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of Professor Francis Gordon Idon Omiunu on 25 May 2026. Professor Francis Gordon Idon Omiunu was born on 7 July 1943 at Oke Old Site, Ora, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
A gifted student from an early age, Professor FGI Omiunu pursued his education with determination and distinction. After his early schooling in Ora, Sabongida-Ora, Benin and Owo, he graduated from the University of Ife with a B.A. Honours degree in Geography in 1971. He later obtained an M.A. in Transport Geography from York University, Toronto, Canada, and a PhD in Geography from the University of Benin.
Professor FGI Omiunu’s life was defined by teaching, scholarship and service. His career began in the classroom, and over more than five decades, he taught at the primary, secondary, military, and university levels. He served at the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Nigerian Military School before joining the University of Benin in 1978, where he rose to the rank of Professor of Geography and Regional Planning in 1992. He taught and mentored generations of students, supervised numerous postgraduate theses, published widely, and earned international recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
He was also a man of deep faith, a devoted husband to Professor Stella Ebun Omiunu, a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and community figure. He served his church faithfully and remained closely connected to his home community of Ora.
Above all, Professor FGI Omiunu’s life was a life of labour, discipline, learning and service. His influence continues in his family, his students, his colleagues, his community, and in all those whose lives were touched by the knowledge he gave, the values he modelled, and the example he left behind.
A Cross Section of Prof Omiunu's Favourite Quotes
Professor Omiunu was an avid reader who delighted in sharing words of wisdom that reflected his philosophy of life, his reverence for learning, and his belief in discipline, service and hard work. We are pleased to share a cross-section of some of his favourite quotations.
“Reverence for parents stands written among the three laws of most revered righteousness.”
— Aeschylus (525–456 B.C.)
“What is the prime of life? May it not be defined as a period of about twenty years in a woman’s life, and thirty years in a man’s?”
— Plato (428–348 B.C.)
“Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.”
— Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 B.C.)
“A hard beginning maketh a good ending.”
— John Heywood (1497–c. 1580)
“Evolution is change from an indefinite and incoherent homogeneity to a definite and coherent heterogeneity.”
— Herbert Spencer (1820–1903)
“The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy.”
— Senator John F. Kennedy (1956)
“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
— Albert Pike (attribution unverified)
“Be a craftsman in speech that thou mayest be strong, for the strength of one is the tongue, and speech is mightier than all fighting.”
— Ptahhotep (3400 B.C.)
Gallery
Memory wall
I remember him walking around in the evenings in his jalabiya, always having a word for everyone and sometimes teasing us. Those are memories I will cherish.
Adieu, Prof. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Prof gave me insights into what life challenges and societal expectations was for a young man and how to go about it.
Prof taught me discipline, conciseness and how capacity building was a never ending journey as long as life exists.
I am one of the dozens of persons who owes their life successes to Prof and his loving family.
Adieu Prof
Prof leaves behind a legacy not only through his family and work, but also through the countless lives he touched with his compassion and quiet acts of care. I will always be grateful that I had the privilege of knowing him.
During my years at Uniben, I was blessed to have a second home with Prof and his family. P1 was always open to me, and I was welcomed with so much warmth and kindness. I often joked that I had three homes on campus. My own in A Quarters, and two other places I could always call home in P Quarters and B Quarters.
I fondly remember the Sunday meals after evening Mass, the laughter, conversations and watching tennis together. On Sundays I didn’t show up, Prof would always ask if everything was okay. I also remember his daily evening walks. A reflection of how disciplined and consistent he was.
These may seem like simple memories, but they are ones I will always cherish. I am grateful to have known Prof and to have experienced his kindness and generosity.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
His home and family were an integral part of my teenage years. Everyone was always welcome at P1 with the unwritten password being "what's your name my dear?" This was followed by a gentle pat on the head or shoulder and a "welcome my dear" as he ushered you in. If you arrived in the morning, you were served breakfast, if you came in the afternoon, you were sure to get lunch. No one ever left his house on an empty stomach, you were not just welcome at his house but at his table too! And oh! He loved tennis, gardening and pepper in no particular order.
Soft-spoken and genuinely kind, he always had a word of advice for every person who walked through his doors.
May his soul rest in peace, and I hope it brings his loved ones some comfort knowing just how fondly Prof is remembered.
I vividly recall how everyone would quickly compose themselves and put things in order whenever he appeared, or whenever word got around that a navy-blue Volvo 240 GLE was pulling up somewhere in the neighborhood during the 1980s.
His presence alone commanded respect. He was a man of great standards, a disciplinarian whose expectations encouraged us all to be our best.
Yet behind that firm and commanding exterior was an incredibly warm, kind-hearted, and jovial man. Uncle had a unique way of connecting with everyone, and he seemed to have a nickname or alias for just about every family member and friend.
Prof. Omiunu was more than a respected elder; he was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and stability. His life exemplified discipline, integrity, and devotion to family. While we mourn his passing, we remain grateful to the Almighty God for the countless memories he leaves behind and for the positive impact he had on all who knew him.
Rest on, uncle... Ecclesiastes 3
Prof F.G.I Ominu a.k.a Captain was truly a great man, whose warmth and hospitality left indelible mark in everyone who came across him.
I am glad his legacy lives on through his children, friends , mentees, students and family
Adieu Daddy . Continue to rest in the bossom of our LORD and Saviour
Prof’s home, P1, was a necessary stopover. It was a place where everyone was welcome. His children’s friends could walk in and head straight to the common area, as though it were their own home. I do not remember him ever turning anyone away. Every now and then, however, he would appear unannounced, just to check what was going on!
And then there were the lessons. His scholarly advice was never lost on anyone who cared to listen- the price we had to pay for being in his house :-). He spoke about academic excellence, about finding and following the path to distinction within the four walls of UNIBEN and, indeed, beyond. I sometimes wonder whether he thought we were listening. Perhaps we were not actively listening at the time, impatiently waiting for him to finish so we could get on with whatever else we had planned. But somehow, our subconscious must have been soaking up the wealth of knowledge he generously shared. I can never forget one particular day when we had gone out and returned to the house only a few minutes later. He had apparently seen us on that Agric Road. Looking at us, he asked, “Are you ubiquitous?” That was the first time I heard the word. We had to run for the dictionary!
His boisterous laugh was infectious, his presence unforgettable, and his home a place of warmth, learning and welcome. Prof Gordon Omiunu was much more than a great scholar. He was a teacher even when we were not sitting in a classroom, a mentor even when we did not realise we were being mentored, and a father figure to many who passed through P1.
Adieu, Prof Gordon Omiunu.The Great Prof Himself! May your memory continue to live on in the many lives you touched, the scholars you inspired, and the countless stories that will forever begin with, “Do you remember when Prof…?”
I received the news of Prof. Omiunu’s passing with a heavy heart. My condolences to you all.
I remember just like yesterday when I left Port Harcourt for UNIBEN in 1999. It was during clearance into Uniben Law that I met Ohio, and through him I was welcomed into the Omiunu family and home at P1. That door opened to more than friendship, it opened to family, as my family in Port Harcourt referred to the Omiunu's as my Benin family.
Prof and Mrs. Omiunu took me in as one of their own. I can still remember. Mrs. Omiunu’s peppered rice, and hear Prof’s voice in the P1 lounge, principled yet so jovial, telling stories over a bottle of Gulder and groundnuts. Prof Omiunu carried both wisdom and warmth, and he made everyone around him feel at home.
Prof’s life was one of integrity, laughter, and love for family. His legacy lives on in all of you(Omiunu's), and in everyone whose life he touched.
May God grant you strength and comfort in this difficult time. Please know I am with you in thoughts and prayers always
With love,
Clifford Nnanta Chuku
Rest in perfect peace until we meet to part nomore.

Daddy was a no nonsense man, very vocal and had this hearty laughter when he laughed. He was also very pleasant to be with.
We thank God for the life he lived and the blessing he was to everyone around him.
May his beautiful soul rest in peace.

Surely Daddy will be greatly missed by all.
May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace till the resurrection morning when we will see him again.
You have left your footprints in the sands of time, Sir, and the world is less brighter now that you are no longer in it.
You will be sorely missed. May your soul rest peacefully with God.
What can the body do without the HEAD? Its with heart full of mixed feelings I write and address you as being LATE Prof Francis Omiunu
Though I didnt have a personal encounter while you were in your good health but the disciplined nature of the daughter my Consultant has told me all about you.
I was called by her that you were coming to the hospital to do a cranial CT Scan with the sole aim that you wont spend much days in the hospital and be discharged.
To my greatest dismay, I was one of the doctors who did a cardiopulmonary resuscitation on you when the tough got going and was still the one that called your daughter, my Consultant that you were no more and only to end with a history of accompanying your body to the morgue.
Though you didnt inform anyone that you will take that pathway to make this journey of no return as we were happy that you pulled out when all hope was lost .
We are encouraged that in Romans 6:4 ... "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
We are rest assured that you have a new life in christ Jesus .
I recall coming to see him the Sunday before he passed on
Still fighting as always, only for me to hear he had passed on the next day
We are comforted knowing that he lived a fulfilled life and his legacy lives on
However, it was evident from the respect shown by his family, colleagues, students, and all who spoke of him that he lived a life of purpose, excellence, and impact. The lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind speak far more eloquently than words ever could.
May his memory continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, and may God grant his family, friends, and loved ones the strength and comfort to bear this loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
I’ll never forget my Post Graduate days when I had the opportunity to stay in his house. Whenever he asked what we would eat, my answer was always the same: _Rice_ 😁
He would burst into laughter, call me by my full name, and say, _“You like rice too much. Just like a bird.”_ 🤣
He was the only person who always called me by my full name. Always.
I will surely miss you, Sir. But I take comfort knowing you’re in a far better place now.
Sleep well, Sir.
Love and Light,
Omos Odekhoa Lagos

As the father of a dear friend, he always recognised me, asked how I was doing, and that meant a great deal to me as a young girl. His thoughtfulness and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on me.
I am grateful for the privilege of having known him. His life touched many people, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
To speak of Uncle is to speak of a man whose life was a masterclass in quiet consistency, profound intellect, and unconditional acceptance. He was a man who didn't just teach geography; he charted the human heart, acting as a compass for everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.
His role as a professor was merely the foundation of his influence. He was a scholar whose wisdom extended far beyond the boundaries of his field, a true intellectual whose conversations forced you to think outside the box. He commanded respect not through intimidation, but through a rare blend of discipline and love. He was a man who could correct you with a firm word and then, in the same breath, show you the depth of his care.
For me, Uncle was the very definition of a father. I first met him in 1995 as a nervous 100-level student in the Geography and Regional Planning department at the University of Benin (Uniben).
He taught Transportation Geography in 300 and 400 levels. But it wasn't until my 200-level year, when Odion Amu nee Ojeiwa moved into the Professors' Staff Quarters (P1), that I truly came to know the man behind the title.
The P1 Boys' Quarters (P1 BQ) and, more importantly, the home he shared with Aunty, became my sanctuary. I was a self-proclaimed pest, always hanging around, abandoning my own hostel for the warmth of their home. Uncle, ever the disciplinarian, would ask, "Don't you have accommodation?" It became our little game. The more he chased me, the more I returned, drawn to the light of his home. That was until he asked Sir and Lady Ogun about me and was told I was "more like a daughter." From that moment, I was fully adopted into the fold, welcomed by both Uncle and Aunty until the day I graduated. He made a home for a stranger, a gift I could never repay.
To truly remember Uncle is to remember his signature gesture—the way he would rub your head when he greeted you. It was a small, simple act, but it was his way of saying, "I see you, and I've got you." It was an affirmation that spoke volumes.
Uncle was a creature of beautiful, loving habit. His consistency was a comfort. You could set your watch by the turning on and off of his light, a rhythm that punctuated the day. And when you heard the strains of his classical music filling the house, you knew the world was in order. He was a man of structure, but also a man of profound depth.
To Uncle and Aunty, I say thank you. Thank you for your boundless kindness. Thank you for opening your home to strangers and making them family. Thank you for your generosity, your fatherliness, and for accepting everyone just as they were.
Your memory is not a sorrow, but a profound blessing. It is a guide that will continue to inspire.
Journey well, Uncle. You have set the course for so many, and we will navigate our lives by the light you left behind.
My most meaningful engagement with him, however, happened outside the lecture halls. I had friends who lived in the boys' quarters attached to his home, and I was a regular visitor. These visits gave me a unique window into his life—and into the life of his beloved wife, whom we all affectionately called Aunty.
She was the heart of that home. Like her husband, Aunty was incredibly kind and supportive. She never made us feel like strangers or intruders. Seeing the two of them together, I witnessed a partnership built on grace, hospitality, and shared humanity. They were a team, and we were fortunate to be on the receiving end of their kindness.
Looking back now, I understand better the man he was. His years at the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Nigerian Military School had instilled in him a sense of discipline and structure, but he wore it lightly. He was firm when he needed to be, yet always approachable. He knew how to command respect without demanding fear—a rare gift that served him well both in uniform and in academia.
Prof. Francis Gordon Idon Omiunu, you have fought a good fight. You have served your country with honour, taught your students with patience, and opened your home with generosity. You have run your race with integrity and have left a legacy of kindness, discipline, and academic excellence.
To have known you, even from the periphery, was a privilege. And to have been welcomed into your home by you and Aunty was a gift we will never forget.
We take comfort in the life you lived and the memories you left behind. May your journey to the great beyond be peaceful. May your memory—and the memory of the warmth you and Aunty showed us—continue to be a blessing to your family, your friends, your former students, and the generations of geographers you helped to shape.
Adieu, Prof. Omiunu. Rest in peace.
He taught me transportation Geography, University of Benin.
He interviewed me for the job as a Geography teacher in Udss.
A quite, gentleman and unassuming Board Chairman, Udss Mgt Board.
Taught his children Geography in Udss.
A wonderful man, loving father and a bridge builder.
Prof, rest on till our time comes.
Emavwoyan Oghenero.
His home and heart were ever open to receive all that needed a place or guidance. Meeting him always left you with something. His warmth was contagious. He always had a story to tell, a joke to share, an advice to give or even help to render.
He was a walking encyclopedia as he was a very knowledgeable person, not only in his field but on a wide array of subject matters. He always inspired me to do better and always be ready to learn something.
Uncle, today we celebrate you and your legacies you have left with us. Thank you for all you were to us.
Sleep on Prof. F.G.I. Omiunu.
He was, without question, a strict man. There were standards to uphold, discipline to maintain, and no room for carelessness. 5am the lights came on, 6pm he goes on his evening walks. Almost everything was done with military precision. Yet beneath that firm exterior was a man blessed with a wonderful sense of humour and an incredibly generous heart.
One of the greatest expressions of that generosity was that he opened his home to me. From Year 1 to my final year P1 was my home. Not only did he welcome me in, he refused the idea of me moving to get my own place or stay in the BQ. He opened his home to me. I ate what he ate, and drank what he drank…well…almost. Prof loved his Gulder and that was not our drink but that did not stop him from offering us the bottle after pouring a glass for himself. Gilder and peanuts :) Looking back now, I appreciate what an extraordinary act of kindness that was. He welcomed me into his home, made room for me, and never made me feel like an inconvenience. At the time, I probably took it for granted—as young people often do—but with the benefit of age and hindsight, I now recognise the sacrifice, patience and love that such hospitality required. His home became a place where I felt accepted, safe and cared for, and for that I will always remain grateful.
I will always remember the balance he struck between discipline and warmth. He could correct you one moment and have you laughing the next. That rare combination earned him not just my respect, but also my affection.
One of the blessings I will always thank God for is having had the opportunity to visit him shortly before he passed. Although it was difficult seeing him on his sickbed, I am deeply grateful that I was able to spend those final moments with him. I did not know then that it would be our last meeting, but I left thankful that I had the chance to see him, honour him, and say goodbye.
Prof. leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves a legacy reflected in the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the quiet acts of kindness that spoke volumes about the man he was.
Thank you, Prof., for opening not just your home, but your heart to me. Thank you for the discipline that shaped me, the laughter that lightened so many moments, and the example of generosity that I hope to emulate. I count it a privilege to have known you.
May God grant you eternal rest and comfort your family and all who mourn you. Your life was a blessing, and your memory will continue to live on in my heart.
Prof. was many things to many people; To some he was Prof. FGI Omiunu, the erudite professor of Geography and Regional planning, who knew African and global Geography with incredible accuracy.
To others he was Captain Omiunu fondly remembered for his exploits at the Education corps at Nigerian army particularly at the Nigerian Defence Academy Jaji (Nigeria's Apex war training institute).
Many remember him as the former Dean of students, others a vocal contemporary at the Academic senate of hhe University of Benin.
In all of these roles and many more, prof made his mark and left a lasting legacy. Positively so.
He was a true father to all, who listened patiently, encouraged kindly, counselled wisely and judged impartially.
He was also an excellent historian and loved a good debate about politics. He always had funny, entertaining stories about all of these and his time in Toronto Canada while studying for his PHD.
He spoke Edo (particularly the Ora dialect) with such dexterity that he rarely needed to use English words mid-sentence or to pass a message. His English was also excellent.
A whole Cow 🐄 was slaughtered every Christmas and a whole Ram 7 days later on new years eve. Showing us what it meant to live your life to the fullest. He sure did. Classical music and ancient Christian ✝️ hymns would fill the air at his long term residence residence in P1 (the professors quarters at the Univerity campus) every Sunday.
Rest in God's presence until we meet again.
(i) an extremely intelligent man who was always keen to have interesting conversations with anyone (provided proper English was spoken!), (ii) a loving but stern father (not just to his biological children, but to all who he interacted with, and especially those of us 'adopted' into the Omiunu household), (iii) a lover of classical music (which was always played at the loudest volume and we all came to love and look forward to every December!), (iv) a lover of the National Geographic channel (especially programmes showing animals in their primal states and environments) and which we attributed to his academic background as a distinguished Professor of Geography and Regional Planning, and (v) a noteworthy supporter of our youthful exuberance (with memorable experiences perhaps too colourful for this tribute 😊).
I will definitely miss Prof's warm and welcoming smile, and I pray God grants him eternal rest and comforts his family during this difficult time.
I also remember being with him during one of the most difficult moments of his life when he lost his son, Oise. It was a poignant reminder of how deeply he loved his children. He was a devoted family man who supported and encouraged his wife to attain the pinnacle of academia, culminating in her becoming a professor.
His greatest legacy is the wonderful family he raised. The values, discipline and character he embodied are clearly reflected in his children. May God grant him eternal rest and comfort his family. Rest on, Prof. Your legacy lives on.
Uncle, you were just you!
No nonsense…. but caring.
Oh, you were Geography & Geography was you!👌
Though married to my Aunt, you took us in as your own as you did with sooo many others not even related to you.
Thank you, Sir.
You fondly called me SB (Seme Border) - with that smile on your face. That alias stuck till the end.
You silently always checked on my academic progress…… never missing anything & always cheered me on.
I know you were proud of me.
Thank you for everything, Uncle.
My family & I appreciate you!
We love you Sir, but GOD loves you best.
Rest on Uncle……. Rest in the bosom of our LORD Jesus Christ, Amen.🙏
Fondly remembered,
Ebiseme Elegbe
(aka Seme Border)
A man of integrity. A man of discipline.
Though he is late, the impact he made remains with us.
I will never forget when he accepted to chair my wedding several years ago. The wisdom, the fatherly counsel... you just knew a professor was speaking lol. And we took every word to heart.
Thank you Sir. Rest in perfect peace.
FOR MRS DEBORAH IGHARO NEE OGOIGBE CHILDREN
Though your departure has left a void, I take comfort in knowing that, your journey was according to God's perfect will.
Continue to rest in God's blossom. God be with you till we meet again.
Asekhamen Ogoigbe (Nephew)
Daddy always referred to me as his son. I treasured our relationship and his wise counsel. He was a doting father and grandfather, loving husband to Mommy and a great family man. My heartfelt condolences 💐 to our dear Mommy, Professor Mrs. Omiunu and the Omiunu family at home and abroad.
May Daddy’s soul and those of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace. Amen 🙏
I fondly remember our last conversation at the NCEE, where you came to read. Your energy was infectious, and you spoke with the same passion, wisdom, and conviction that always defined you. You embodied strength and kindness, and your home was always open and welcoming to everyone.
I will never forget your remarkable knowledge of history and the way you would call me and Ohio and any friend preesent to "sit down" before giving us a thorough explanation of every historical or political issue.
May the saints of God lead you safely home, and may you continue to rest in perfect peace. You will always be remembered, respected, and greatly missed
There are some people whose love goes beyond blood ties, proving that family is not only defined by birth but also by the kindness and generosity of the heart. Daddy was one of those rare people.
When my dear friend, Ehi passed away, many would have expected the relationship to end. But that was never the case. The bond that Daddy and the entire family shared with me remained strong. I continued to visit, call and stand with the family because the love we shared had grown beyond friendship, it had become family. Daddy always received me with the same kindness and affection, reminding me that true relationships are built on loyalty, love and sincerity.
Daddy was a man who welcomed people, encouraged them, and made them feel valued. His wise counsel and genuine concern for others will always remain fresh in my memory. While it hurts that both my dear friend, Ehi and Daddy are no longer with us, I find comfort in the beautiful memories they gave me and the lasting impact they made on my life. I am forever grateful that God allowed our paths to cross.
Rest peacefully, Daddy. Your race is finished; your legacy lives on. Until we meet again, may your gentle soul rest in perfect. Amen
You were a father in every sense of the word and you had a funny nickname for me.
Your absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but the memories you created and the lives you touched will continue to live on. Your legacy is reflected in the wonderful children you raised and in the countless hearts you inspired.
To the loved ones you left behind, I pray that you all find strength in the beautiful memories you shared and comfort in knowing that your father's life was one filled with purpose, love, and honor. You may no longer be with us physically, but your wisdom, and your love will never be forgotten.
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Daddy had this energy that was typical of a specially trained military officer that I always thought he may have been a Ex-Commando. Then he was fundly called, CAPTAIN OMIUNU by my parents and his friends that I knew in the family circle. Two weeks after his first daughter ( Juliet Oghuanosuan)was born was when they relocated to the university campus. Same university where I attended university which he was very instrumental in my gaining admission into.
Like to reward his goodness and keep the Omiunus close forever to my family, I found the daughter years later on social media and married her in 2017. As they say, na wetin comot from inside family when good nai person de carry go house for keeps😉. A true disciplined and focused individual like a missile locked on to its target. A man who's words seldom never come to be as he has said it . A man who minds his business so others can have their business too. A " Mr No Nonsense" towards life 😊. A man who's happiest when his children are happy around ( even if far ). A man of incredible resilience! I believe my aspirations to be a soldier was provoked by my childhood knowledge of him and how he got along in typical military style.
Forever my Captain and uncle and later father in-law. Rest well daddy 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
He was indeed a father figure whenever he was with kids, even kids or other people.
He will be remembered for his stern but loving guidance and mentorship.
Rest in peace daddy.



