Adebayo Dies Hours To 89th Birthday
Iyin Ekiti a bubbling town in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area of Ekiti state was yesterday thrown into mourning mood following the death of their illustrious sons, Major General Adeyinka Robert Adebayo who died hours to his 89th birthday.
Adebayo, who is the former military governor of the now defunct Western State of Nigeria died in Lagos on Wednesday at the age of 88.
His death, according to some of his family members who spoke with journalists at his residence, in his country home in Iyin- Ekiti came as they were preparing for his 89th birthday celebrations he was to mark today March 9, 2017.
Adebayo became the governor between 1966 and 1971 following the death of Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi’s death in the 1966 coup d’état.
Late Adebayo’s nephew, Barr Alaba Adeyemi -Adebayo who spoke on behalf of the family said the deceased’s son and first civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo has confirmed the death of his father to the family and instructed him to break the news to the public.
He said, “Otunba Niyi Adebayo has confirmed that the patriarch of the Adebayo’s family, General Adebayo died about three and half hours ago in a Lagos hospital. We have broke the news to the monarch of the town, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye, traditional Chiefs and others. The Kabiyesi was shocked to learn of his death.
” The family is also shocked and it is not as if we don’t know that he was aged but we are very unhappy that he died now. He lived for the peace, unity and stability his community, Ekiti state and Nigeria at large.
” Adebayo died at about 10am today. About 3 and half hours ago. He was a father indeed and in need. He was indeed the patriarch of the Adebayo”.
The late Army General it was learnt was in Iyin-Ekiti about three weeks ago to celebrate with others the 50th anniversary of Iyemote Comprehensive High School, in Iyin-Ekiti , as one of the founding fathers of the schools.
He was hale and hearty and had stayed till the end of the event, during which he was honoured before he left.
The traditional ruler of the town, Oba Ademola Ajakaye, described late Adebayo as a detribalised Nigerian, nationalist, great and peace loving Nigerian who was one of the oldest surviving Generals of the Nigerian army.
Oba Ajakaiye, a retired justice, disclosed to newsmen that late Adebayo’s tenure as military governor of old western Region was instrumental to the rapid development of Ekiti and the region.
“He served as the governor of Western Region in 1966. It was while he was governor of that region that he was instrumental to provision of some essential infrastructure to Ekiti.
He created Ekiti into four divisions in Ekiti , South, Central, North and West, with Ado as the capital. Because of this step, Ekiti was able to develop rapidly in all rounds rather than merely developing as a division.
” His departure though a great loss, but we give thanks for his life. We are not mourning but celebrating his transition. As a Christian he has only departed into glory”.
Fayose Mourns
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has described the late former Military Governor of the old Western State, Major-General Adeyinka Adebayo, as someone who lived a fulfilled life and who was truly an Ekiti man to the core.
In a condolence message in Ado-Ekiti signed by the governor, he said Ekiti people would never forget the late General for his love for them and for epitomising the great virtues of an Ekiti person.
“General Adeyinka Adebayo was truly an Ekiti man. He was not a bigot and never allowed political considerations to becloud his sense of fairness, honesty, and boldness in the face of daunting obstacles.
“He would always call a spade a spade and would not mind whose ox is gored. Despite the political differences between me and his son, Otunba Niyi, he was forthright in commending our efforts at developing the state, even though we are among the least financially buoyant. He would not allow sentiments to sway his sense of judgment and was a true father to all.
“He was a leader Ekiti people would remember for helping to open up the state when he served as the Military Governor of the old Western State. His efforts led to the establishment of hospitals in major towns, the setting up of the Odua Textile Factory among others.
“He will be sorely missed by Ekiti people and Nigerians in general, but we are consoled that he was fulfilled in life and lived up to old age. The good people of Ekiti State sympathize with his immediate family,” he said.
