Posted by Mark Waller on
The pedestrian fatally injured by a car Tuesday on Airline Drive in Metairie was a college professor from Nigeria who was planning his retirement in the United States, relatives said Thursday.
* He was considering N.O. move, son says
The pedestrian fatally injured by a car Tuesday on Airline Drive in Metairie was a college professor from Nigeria who was planning his retirement in the United States, relatives said Thursday.
Johnson Dapo Omidiji, 61, taught economics and related subjects in Nigeria for 25 years, relatives said. He was from Nigeria but had family and friends in the United States, where he had previously lived. He first came to the United States in the 1960s.
"He was known for being kind and honest and gentle," said his son, Omotayo Omidiji, 29, who lives in Atlanta. "He was happy, always smiling, honest, strong-willed."
The younger Omidiji was in New Orleans on Thursday to help plan a memorial service. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, he said his father had seven children over the course of two marriages, one in Ohio and the other in Nigeria. He maintained close relationships with all of his children, his son said.
His son said Omidiji had recently retired as a professor, has a brother living in New Orleans and was considering moving to New Orleans for retirement.
Friends and relatives said they were planning a service at Grace Episcopal Church in New Orleans but had not yet set the date and time.
Omidiji was walking south across Airline Drive near Shrewsbury Road early Tuesday when a car hit him, State Police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver was not cited, State Police said. No signs of alcohol use or excessive speed emerged, they said. The driver had a green light, police said.
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Mark Waller may be reached at mwaller@timespicayune.com or (504) 883-7056.