By: Ibrahim J. Conteh
The Funeral and communion service was held at the Zion Methodist Church- Wilberforce Street Freetown on Sunday 20th June 2021 in honor of the late Professor Cecil Samuel Magbaily Fyle who passed unto eternity on Sunday 23rd May 2021. The late professor Cecil Samuel Magbaily Fyle was born on August 23rd 1944 in Freetown Sierra Leone, to the late Benoni Sylvanus Owen Fyle and Gwendolyn Winifred Fyle.
He was an alumni of the Sierra Leone Grammar School and Fourah Bay College, were he graduated with the top grade of honors in Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1968. He was one of the first African students to popularize oral tradition as history and owing to his passion in exploring more knowledge he was qualified with a certificate in African Studies in 1972 and a Ph.D. in 1976 both from Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. He served the University of Sierra Leone in several capacities from 1973 as research fellow, lecturer, senior lecturer, and professor, Dean of the Faculty of Art, Public Orator and Director of the Institute of African Studies. Prof. Magbaily Fyle became the first man of African origin to become professor of African history at Fourah Bay College – University of Sierra Leone and the first Professor to hold chair of the Institute of African Studies at Fourah Bay College in 1990. In recognition of his qualification and expertise he was appointed to serve in many Board committees in Sierra Leone
Professor Cecil Magbaily Fyle was a prominent historian and African Scholar, As a prolific Author and Seasoned Researcher, he wrote multiple books on African history, first noteworthy among his many publication was the Book “The History of sierra Leone” which was widely acclaimed by many academic scholars that in it he has presented a new perspective of country’s history. The late professor’s sojourn at OHIO State University was memorable and productive. His history of African civilization module attracted many students and his two books he wrote to accompany his lectures – Introduction to the history of African Civilization 1 & 2, became best sellers not only at OHIO State University but in many universities in the US. Wrote over 20 books and over 30 scholarly articles. The late professor was a good teacher, lecturer and seasonal researcher. He has great passion for Sierra Leone history and culture and was a strong advocate for national unity and cohesion.
Speaking at the civil lay-out Ceremony, Joe Alie, In respect of a tribute to the late Professor Fyle, gave a brief history how his Middle name ‘Magbaily’ was kept in low profile due to strong opposition by his mother who thought that the name has a strong affinity to the Temne heritage. he was however motivated to resuscitate his middle name during his private years in the United States, were he was influenced by his African-American friends, who were members of the black power movement, who asked him if he don’t have an African name, “ after being asked a few times, I came to terms with the fact that I have one, and began thinking that there was no reason why the name Cecil was better than Magbaily , it was thus that I revived my African name” from then onwards many came to associate with him by his middle name “Magbaily”
He was well known as an outstanding academician whose views and expertise on historical and social sciences are in great demand in providing new insights into areas of specialty to bring clarity were they may be doubt. He had several invitations to speak and advice even at matters outside his professional utilization; such invitations include those by UNESCO to serve as consultant to the VC and the government of Sierra Leone. It is my humble feelings that here would never be another like Cecil Magbaily, so simple and yet so renowned. I’m a living witness to his discipleship life he lived, and ability to connect with everyone he met regardless of social status. Three days before the sudden news of his passing, I had the privilege of visiting him at the Hospital together with his eldest sister’s GrandSon. He demonstrated some degrees of recovery, didn’t know that would be our final conversation. He treats all he came in contact with as equals, he was totally unambiguous of class differentiation.
As an educator his works and achievements were extraordinary, his contribution to Sierra Leone and African history are exceptional. He was passionate about Sierra Leone history and in passing that knowledge down to future generations, so as a Nation, we can only reflect on his enduring legacy in the many efforts he charged and changed for the better.
Besides his academic domain, the late Professor was a family man who was unflinching support in taking care of his family. He taught his family the values of hard work and to never give up in the face of adversity. He raised his five children and provided them the best of education even in the midst of great uncertainty.
We will miss you Professor Cecil Magbaily Fyle, we pray that the good Lord forgives your transgressions and admits you into his Heavenly fold. Sleep on beloved and journey well, till we meet again. You have positively impacted millions of lives, though physically you are no more but, however, your immense contributions to the growth and development of our country Sierra Leone will be remembered forever.
An appreciation of a life well spent in the service of country and humanity!!!