President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of Former Kwara State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, describing him as a pillar of defence of Nigeria’s democracy and the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity.
The President, in a personally written heartfelt tribute in memory of the former Governor fondly called C.O. by political associates, hailed the Second Republic Senator as a true statesman, whose extraordinary lifetime of 84years was marked by an unyielding commitment to public service and progressive politics.
“I received the news of the passing of Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former academic and former Governor of Kwara State, with profound sadness.
“During his extraordinary lifetime of 84 years, which was marked by an unyielding commitment to public service and progressive politics, C.O., as political associates fondly called him, was a strong voice and a leading light in Nigeria’s political firmament.
“As a Senator in the Second Republic, he held aloft the banner of the Unity Party of Nigeria, led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
President Tinubu recalled Chief Adebayo’s pedigree in the 1983 general elections. He lauded him as a progressive politician who recorded landmark success to win the governorship election in the old Kwara State as the second elected civilian governor.
“During the dark days of military dictatorship that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Adebayo was one of our leaders who cast aside every comfort and stood firmly in defence of democracy and the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity.
“He spent several years in exile in Canada, a period that tested his resilience and commitment to his beliefs. Later, he returned to the country to join the politics of the 4th Republic.”
Read Also: Kwara Governor, Emir, mourn Former Governor Adebayo
The Nigerian Leader said Chief Cornelius Adebayo will be remembered for his patriotism and commitment to the progress of Kwara State and the Yoruba race.
“I worked closely with him during our years in exile. He demonstrated rare courage, integrity, and perseverance during these difficult times.
“Within the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, he was a voice of reason and a stabilizing influence.
“Chief Adebayo, who later served as the Minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2007, will be remembered for his patriotism and commitment to the progress of Kwara State and the Yoruba race.”
The President prays that the immediate family he left behind, his political associates, the government, and the people of Kwara State find consolation in his legacy of impeccable service.