Saraki Mourns Late Ex-Kwara Governor Adebayo, Hails Him as Epitome of Integrity, Service
By Omowumi Omotosho
Former Nigeria Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has paid glowing tribute to former Kwara State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, who died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 84.
In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the late Adebayo as “a principled leader and one of the finest public servants of his generation.”
Throwback picture of Saraki and Adebayo
Saraki noted that Adebayo’s contributions to Nigeria’s political development spanned decades of committed and courageous public service.
“Chief Cornelius Adebayo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history. From his days as a university lecturer in then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Senator in the Second Republic, to his service as Governor of Kwara State, and later as Minister of Communications, he distinguished himself with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of high ethics, good governance, and public service,” Saraki stated.
Saraki emphasized Adebayo’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, saying,
“He was one of the people on the frontline of the struggle against military rule. He will be sorely missed,” he added.
As a fellow former Governor of Kwara State, Saraki acknowledged Adebayo’s lasting contributions to the state’s development saying; ” As a fellow former Governor of Kwara State, I deeply appreciate his legacy of service and the solid foundation he laid for the development of our dear state. His life’s work remains an inspiration to generations of leaders in Kwara and beyond”
Saraki extended his heartfelt condolences to the Adebayo family, the government and people of Kwara State, and Nigerians at large. He prayed that God grants the late statesman eternal rest and grants the family the strength to bear the loss.
