By Abiola Olawale
Notable journalist-diplomat and former Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah, has expressed profound grief over the passing of eminent elder-statesman, Second Republic governor of Kwara State, Second Republic Senator, and titan of the pro-democracy struggle (NADECO), Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo.
The New Diplomat reports that Adebayo who was also Nigeria’s minister for Communications and later Transportation, respectively, between 2003-2007, a leader of the Middle Belt Forum and frontline chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba Organization, Afenifere, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84.
Djebah, a two-time former Delta State Honourable commissioner for Information and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress(APC), while mourning the death of the elderstatesman, Chief Adebayo, described him as a “ hero, an icon, a true friend for 34 years, NADECO titan, ex-Governor of Kwara State, ex-Minister, Senator, former University lecturer, former Honourable Commissioner for Education, Information and Home Affairs in old Kwara State, a patriot and one of the eminent elder-statesmen, who truly deserve to be honoured post-humously for his life of integrity, unblemished public service and commitment to the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.”
While paying tribute to the late elder-statesman and titan of NADECO, Djebah in a heartfelt tribute said Adebayo would be greatly missed as a steadfast leader of leaders, scholar of scholars, a leading voice of both the Middle Belt and Afenifere, a true progressive, and urged the government at all levels to take steps to immortalize the departed pro-democracy icon and staunch progressive leader.
Djebah said: “Nigeria has lost an iconic progressive, a true hero, a role model to many of us, and a titan of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) with the passing away of Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, whom I was privileged to know very closely for 34 years.
“He was a true friend of mine for 34 years. I met him for the first time in 1991 in his Ilorin GRA home when I went to interview him as a journalist. His articulation, perspectives, world-view, and deep insights on crucial matters, especially his vehement opposition to military rule, drew us very close.
“I was one of the very few persons, whom he wrote a letter from Calabar prison, where he was being detained by the regime of late General Sani Abacha following his frontline role in the battle for the restoration of late Chief M.K.O Abiola’s mandate and the June 12 struggle.
“As a close reporter to him, he drew me close and I became one of the media foot soldiers in the pro-democracy battle. The Calabar prison letter was more than a personal account of his experience; it was a clarion call for justice and the battle for the restoration of late Chief M.K.O Abiola”s mandate.
“Written under the harshest conditions, it showcased Chief Adebayo’s intellectual depth, unwavering resolve, and profound humanity.”
Djebah described Chief Adebayo as a rare breed in Nigerian politics, saying: “In 34 years of friendship, I found the elderstatesmen to be one of the most humane politicians—compassionate, principled, and deeply committed to the people.
His contributions to NADECO and Nigeria’s democratic struggle were monumental, yet his humility defined him.”
Djebah recounted how Chief Cornelius Adebayo rejected a ministerial position following overtures to him by the Abacha junta, choosing instead to align with NADECO’s pro-democracy forces. “I was with him at his Surulere, Lagos home that night and he shared some of those thoughts with me.”
“Chief C.O. Adebayo was not just a politician; he was also a mentor to many of us in the journalism, always ready to share his profound thoughts because his initial background was as a lecturer at the University of Ife and later Head of Department at Kwara State College of Technology before venturing into political roles,” Djebah said.
As Nigeria mourns the late elder-statesman, Djebah urged the nation to immortalize Chief C.O. Adebayo. Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, Kwara State, Chief Adebayo, popularly known as C.O. has had a career spanning several decades.
“I extend my prayers and deepest condolences to Chief C.O.’s beloved family, especially his children. I spoke with his son, Cornelius Adebayo Jr, earlier today, offering my heartfelt condolences and prayers.
“I pray that the government of Kwara State, the Middle Belt, where he played an active role as a crucial voice, and the South West, where he was vocal as a chieftain of Afenifere, and Nigeria, which he served as a Senator, Minister, Governor, and NADECO titan, will immortalize him,” Djebah concluded.
