Olufemi Atoyebi, Kamarudeen Ogundele, and Samuel Awoyinfa
State governors including Ayodele Fayose, (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) and a former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and others, have expressed sadness over the death of the late military governor of the Western Region, Maj. Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo.
In separate condolence messages on Wednesday, they described Adebayo’s death as a big loss to Nigeria in general and the Yoruba race in particular.
Amosun in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Media, Adejuwon Soyinka, described the death of General Adebayo as a “great loss to the nation.”
The Ogun State governor added that, “although he died at a ripe old age, Maj. Gen. Adebayo’s experience and fatherly advice would be sorely missed.”
Amosun added that the late General Adebayo would be fondly remembered for his unifying roles and effort across Nigeria and particularly in the South-West geopolitical zone.
Ambode in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said Adebayo’s death was a great loss to the nation.
“General Adebayo was a great patriot and one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists who never shied away from expressing his love for his country and his people. He was a brilliant administrator who was known for his zeal to serve his fatherland,” he said.
Ambode urged the family to uphold the ideals he stood and fought for, saying Nigeria would continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.
In a condolence message in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Fayose said Ekiti people would never forget the late General for his love for them and for epitomising the great virtues of an Ekiti person.
“General Adeyinka Adebayo was truly an Ekiti man. He was not a bigot and never allowed political considerations to becloud his sense of fairness, honesty, and boldness in the face of daunting obstacles.
“He would always call a spade a spade and would not mind whose ox is gored. Despite the political differences between me and his son, Otunba Niyi, he was forthright in commending our efforts at developing the state, even though we are among the least financially buoyant. He would not allow sentiments to sway his sense of judgment and was a true father to all.”
Akeredolu in a statement described Adebayo’s death as a great loss to the Yoruba people in particular and Nigeria in general.
Akeredolu said,”The death of General Adebayo has created a vacuum in the class of the true leaders of the country. He was among the old generation of patriotic Nigerians who truly loved their country and served it very well. He will be missed, not only by his family, but by the country.
“In a country where it is hard to find true and committed soldiers, General Adebayo was one of the few who fought to defend the unity of the country. Even in his private life, he continued to live exemplary lifestyle that is committed to the unity and development of the nation.”
Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the death of Adebayo had robbed Nigeria, especially the Yoruba race, of an elder statesman.
“General Adeyinka Adebayo served his fatherland well. He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and did his best in all the capacities where he served. The history of our country is incomplete with adequate mention of this fine officer,” the statement noted.
Recalling Adebayo’s interests in the growth and the development of the Yoruba race, Aregbesola said the former President of the YCE stopped at nothing to ensure the unity and progress of the Yoruba people.
“No doubt, he is a soldier of repute and a commander of men. He distinguished himself in his chosen profession both at home and abroad.
“The history of post-independence Nigeria and the crises that threatened the young nation’s existence will be incomplete without a chapter for this courageous soldier,” Aregbesola said.
Others who mourned the deceased included a former member of the House of Representatives, Opeyemi Bamidele, Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye and an Afenifere chieftain, Chief Femi Okurounmu.
In his own condolence message, Okurounmu said the nation had lost an important person.
He said, “The nation has lost an important person. However, late General Adeyinka had played his role well and he had done his best for the nation. I want to urge the youth to continue where he stopped.”
Also Bamidele said his death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
He added that Adebayo’s exemplary and sterling qualities earned him the chairmanship of the revered YCE.
Oba Ajakaiye in his own condolence message extolled the virtues of the late patriarch of Adebayo family and commiserated with the family and Nigerians on his death.
The monarch described the late Adebayo as a gallant soldier, patriot, nationalist and great Nigerian who was one of the oldest surviving generals of the Nigerian army.
While paying tribute to the former governor of the old Western Region, the Chairman of the Yoruba Progressive Movement, Ladosu Ladapo, said Adebayo practised politics of inclusiveness and consultation to unite Yoruba monarchs and chiefs.
Also, former Managing Director of Daily Times of Nigeria, Tola Adeniyi, said Adebayo would be remembered as the man who brought peace to the Western Region.
He said, “In the phase of the counter coup that claimed the life of Gen. Adekunle Fajuyi, Adebayo managed to bring peace and calm to the region. He brought government to the people at the grassroots.”
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