By Chinyere Aruogu
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, the All Progressive Congress national leader and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu and Governor AkinwunmiAmbode of Lagos State have expressed sorrow over the death of General Adeyinka Adebayo.
Adebayo died on Wednesday, March 8 in Lagos at 88 after a brief ailment.
Lagos State Governor,Ambode on expressed sadness over the demise of elder statesman who was also former military governor of defunct Western Region).
Ambode in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, HabibAruna, said Adebayo’s demise was a great loss to the nation, especially the South West region.
He said: “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 dedication and zeal to serve his fatherland.
“Those who know papa would attest to the fact that he was a man of many parts. For the Yoruba nation, this is a great loss. His passion to see the integration of the South West region was second to none. No doubt, we would miss his wise counsel especially at this time when our nation is on a path to rebirth.”
While commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman Ambodeurged them to uphold the ideals he stood and fought for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.
“His demise, just like that of our heroes past, must never be in vain. There can be no better time to unite together to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
He added that Adebayo paid his dues and left his footprints on the sands of time.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd) on this great and irreparable loss. He was a pride to our country and we will surely miss him,” Ambode said.
On its part, Afenifere, also on Wednesday joined prominent Nigerians to mourn the passing of Adebayo, describing him as a leader and worthy elder of the Yoruba nation.
Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, YinkaOdumakin, noted that late Adebayo “lived a good and worthy life of impact which makes his memory unforgettable.”
The group, however, lamented that the General died when Yoruba leaders were pulling together to advance their civilization. “He exited when Yoruba leaders are pulling together to advance our civilisation.”
Itthen promised that, “Those of us left behind will continue the task of realising the dreams we shared when he chaired a great assembly of Yoruba last year,” adding “May his great soul rest in peace and may God be with the family he has left behind.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu has described Adebayo as a symbol of unity, stating that the late General was also unapologetic about being a Yoruba man.
In the statement, the APC chieftain said: “General Adeyinka Adebayo was a committed father, true patriot, elder statesman and untiring leader with great acumen.
“Though he was proud to be a Yoruba man, General Adebayo was a symbol of unity in the country. He canvassed against the use of force in resolving the Biafran crisis.
“This position might have informed his appointment after the civil war by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as the Chairman of the Committee on the Reconciliation and Integration of the Ibos back into the Nigerian fold.
“In the military, he distinguished himself. As Governor of the old Western State from August 1966 to April 1971, succeeding late General AdekunleFajuyi, General Adebayo contributed immensely to the development of the region.
“He particularly promoted agricultural extension services in the region with the establishment of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.
“General Adebayo saw himself first and foremost as a Yoruba man before being a Nigerian. His death has further diminished the rank of reputable Yoruba leaders and national icons.
“I wish the General eternal rest. I pray that the children he left behind would continue to push forward the legacies he left behind.”