It is with immense pride and admiration that we celebrate the induction of Professor O.M.A. Daramola into the prestigious fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL). This recognition is not only a testament to his towering intellect and scholarly contributions but also an acknowledgment of his unwavering commitment to the advancement of knowledge and the humanities in Nigeria and beyond.

Professor Daramola’s academic journey is one marked by distinction and excellence. Professor Daramola is a distinguished Musicologist/Ethnomusicologist and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He was the first to graduate with a First Class, the first to be awarded a Ph.D., up-to-date, the first and only Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University and now the first Professor of Music in Nigeria to be inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters.  He was Chair of the Faculty of Arts’ Guest Lecture Committee from 2007 to 2019; Head, Department of Music at various times; two-term Vice-Dean, Faculty of Arts; and Dean from 2019 to 2021.

He is a member of many Professional bodies and associations, including, Association of Nigerian Musicologists (ANIM), American Studies Association of Nigeria (ASAN), African Proverbs and Phraseological Society (AFRICAPPS); Pan-African Society for Musical Arts Education (PASMAE) and Nigerian Academy of Letters. His inaugural lecture, titled “Seeing through Life’s Cloudy Domain: Navigating the Chemistry of Man, Music and Culture” was delivered at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 2018.

Over the years, he has carved a niche for himself as a leading voice in the field of music, contributing groundbreaking research, insightful publications and inspiring a new generation of music scholars. His works in the areas of Performative Musicology, Ethnomusicology, African music, Music of the mass culture, and Culturology, have not only enriched the academic community but have also bridged the gap between academia and the broader society, offering critical perspectives that resonate with both specialists and the general public.

Beyond his intellectual achievements, Professor Daramola embodies the virtues of a true academic leader. His mentorship has been invaluable to countless students and colleagues, many of whom have gone on to become lecturers in Universities and prominent figures in their own right. His dedication to fostering an environment of rigorous inquiry, ethical scholarship, and collaborative learning has left an indelible mark on the institutions he has been a part of.

The Nigerian Academy of Letters, with its rich history of honoring the nation’s most distinguished scholars, could not have made a more fitting choice in selecting Professor Daramola as a Fellow. His induction into this esteemed body which took place on the 8^th August, 2024, is a reflection of his dedication and service to the intellectual community, his profound impact on the study of music and his enduring legacy as a scholar, teacher, and thought leader.

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we look forward to the continued contributions of Professor Daramola to the world of music and culture. His work will undoubtedly continue to inspire, challenge, and enlighten especially within the ambit of music as a body of knowledge.

 Congratulations, Professor O.M.A. Daramola, on this well-deserved honour. Your induction into the Nigerian Academy of Letters is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of excellence for all who aspire to the highest standards of academic and intellectual endeavor. We wish you the best in your future endeavours.