Ekiti Bids Adebayo Farewell, Pays Glowing Tribute
Residents of Ekiti State Friday came out in their large numbers to pay their last respect to the late former governor of the old western region, Major Gen. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo.
The people who were clad in the green attire with the picture of the late general had massed at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, the state capital as early as 9. am in the morning.
Governor Ayodele Fayose arrived the venue of the lying-in state programme alongside the remains of the Iyin Ekiti-born general on a motorcade from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital at exactly, 1.47pm.
Speaking at the event, Fayose who described late Adebayo as a leader of Yoruba race said he remains the hope and the leading light to all past and present governors in the six states of the Southwest
geo-political zone.
He said, “We are celebrating General Adebayo and not mourning him. He was a leader of the Yorubas who worked for the development of the race.
“We will continue to work for the sustenance of his belief”.
The governor who noted that the late father of the first executive governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo always advised him on how to go about the political sojourn, said the late Adebayo told me”
“Do not look at you’re your critics, continue to do your best at the right time you will overcome your adversaries”.
Representatives of the Christ’s School Alumni worldwide, committee of friends of the deceased, Yoruba Council of Elders, Ekiti parapo and Committee for the creation of Ekiti paid took turn to pay their glowing tributes.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included, the former governor of the old Ondo State, Evang. Bamidele Olumilua, former military governor of the state, Atanda Yusuf, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele among others.
