The sociocultural organisation of the Yoruba-speaking people in Kogi State, Okun Development Association (ODA), has expressed grief over the death of Second Republic Governor of Kwara State and a former Minister of Communications, Senator Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo.

According to reports, Adebayo died on Wednesday morning in Abuja at the age of 84.

He was elected governor of Kwara State in the 1983 election and served for a few months before the

Buhari/Idiagbon-led military coup of December 31, 1983, that ousted the second Republic civilian government in Nigeria.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary Dayo Thomas, ODA said, “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of our revered leader, H.E. Senator Cornelius O. Adebayo, former Governor of Kwara State, fondly known as “C.O.” His departure leaves an unfillable void in our lives and society. As a champion of democracy and advocate for the masses, he dedicated his life to serving others and fighting for justice. He was a remarkable leader, a true hero of democracy, and a devoted public servant. His legacy will forever inspire future generations.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his associates and family, including his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. Stanley Jegede, CEO of Phase3 Communications. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory inspire us to strive for a better Nigeria.

“We extend condolences to NADECO, Afenifere, and Dr. David Oluwayomi Atte, who served as Commissioner for Education under him and left a lasting impact on Kwara State. May his leadership and dedication continue to inspire us. An era has come to a close. A towering figure, renowned for his intellect and community service, has left an indelible mark. The people of Oke Onigbin will deeply miss his presence and legacy. May the soul of H.E. Senator Cornelius O. Adebayo rest in peace.”

Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, in the present-day Ifelodun local government area of the state, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo was educated at All Saints Anglican School, Oke-Onigbin, Provincial Secondary School, Ilorin, and then at Barewa College, Zaria, from 1962 to 1963.

He studied at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1964–1967), and at the University of Ghana, Legon (1967–1969) and later became a lecturer at the University of Ife in 1969, and in 1973, he was appointed Head of the English Department at Kwara State College of Technology.

Between 1975 and 1978, he served as Commissioner for Education and later as Commissioner for Information and Economic Development in Kwara State.

In 1979, Adebayo was elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, running on the ticket of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

In 1983, he was elected governor of old Kwara State, which consisted of parts of what is present-day Kogi State, Okunland inclusive, but was removed on December 31, 1983, when the military junta took over.

He later became Minister of Communications during the Olusegun Obasanjo-led federal government, from 1999 to 2007.