Rep, forum eulogise Adebayo, urge govts to immortalise him

July 29, 2025 by Our Reporter

Member of House of Representatives AbdulRaheem Olawuyi representing Ifelodun/Irepodun/Isin/ Ekiti/ Oke-Ero of Kwara State has described former Governor, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, who died on June 25 as a political colossus and an administrative enigma.

Olawuyi spoke in Abuja when Omo Ibile Igbomina Forum, Abuja chapter, visited him in Abuja.

He promised to liaise with the Federal Government and Kwara State governor with a view to immortalising the legacy of Chief Adebayo, who served meritoriously in state and federal levels.

President of the forum, represented by his vice president, Dr. Dele Gege, described the late Adebayo as a freedom fighter and an advocate for the less privileged and the oppressed.

According to him, “Adebayo was the Political Moses of our time”.

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Dr Dele noted that Adebayo, who served as minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2007, was committed to the progress of Kwara State and the Yoruba race.

General Secretary, Dr. Fatai Jimoh, said Adebayo was a political sage, and bridge builder.

Dr. H. B. Oyedepo, a forum elder, noted that the former governor was an embodiment of integrity, a politician with impeccable character and an academician.

‘‘His 84 years was marked by an unyielding commitment to public service and progressive politics, C.O., as associates fondly called him, was a strong voice and a leading light in Nigeria.

As senator in Second Republic, he held aloft the banner of Unity Party of Nigeria, led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

In 1983 elections, his pedigree as a progressive politician shone brightly when he caused an electoral upset to win the governorship in the old Kwara State as second elected civilian governor.

During the military dictatorship that followed annulment of June 12, 1993, Presidential Election won by late Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Adebayo was one of the leaders, who cast aside every comfort and stood firmly in defence of democracy and ideals of justice, fairness and equity.