Saraki, South-West governors, others eulogise Adebayo

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late former Military Governor of the defunct Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, who died on March 8 this year.

At the lying-in-state at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, yesterday, Senate President Bukola Saraki described Adebayo as a “true African leader whose achievements transcended the Western region.”

Saraki urged the gathering not to mourn but to celebrate a life well-spent.

He said: “I stand here not to mourn but celebrate Gen. Adebayo. It is not common for six state governors to celebrate an individual, let me commend the efforts of the organisers.

“The only tribute we can have for him is to sustain the labour of our past heroes not to die in vain.

Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, described Adebayo as an illustrious son of Africa, whose his achievements could not be forgotten in a hurry.

Governors of the six South-West states and leaders of thoughts were also present to pay their last respect for the late General.

Provost of the Cathedral, St. Peters Anglican Church, Ibadan, Venerable Wale Adebiyi and representatives of Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheik Abubakri Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere, prayed for soul of the departed.

Meanwhile, earlier in Lagos yesterday, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who spoke at the commendation service held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion) in Ikeja, Lagos, said the deceased was like a father to him whom he had a lot of respect for owing to the virtues and legacies he left behind during his sojourn on earth.

He said: “This is more or less like a family dad to me. I feel that pain also in all the things that we had actually envisioned through Baba which more or less are the kind of baton we in this generation should take.”

Ambode said the late Adebayo in his lifetime pursued the good course of unifying the country.

Also, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said: “He was a father to all of us; he was a governor emeritus, we would miss him because of his works.

According to Olorunnimbe Mamora, the late General’s loyalty to the nation is beyond description, saying: “He rendered service to the country, Africa and beyond. His wisdom helped to preserve Nigeria’s unity.”

Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji, in his sermon yesterday, titled “Walking in Master’s Step,” said in the history of Nigeria, the late Adebayo would be remembered for hard work, integrity, family virtues, generosity and selflessness in the discharge of his duties, among other virtues.

Odedeji admonished Nigerians to engage in fruit bearing lifestyle and eschew selfish disposition to affairs and people.

The event attracted many dignitaries, including former Governors Lateef Jakande (Lagos), Segun Osoba (Ogun), Donald Duke (Cross River) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Afenifere chieftains, among other well-meaning Nigerians and politicians.