Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterdaymourned the death of former Governor Chief Cornelius Adebayo.

He described Adebayo as “an all-time patriot, statesman, and progressive who represented great ideals and fought for good causes throughout his lifetime”.

The governor stated: “I received with sadness but submission to the will of God the report of the death of His Excellency, former Governor Cornelius Adebayo. He was 84.

“With his carriage and roles at various levels of leadership, the former Governor stood tall and earned the respect and admiration of all.

“He left a fine legacy as a democrat who stood up at critical moments of our history.

“On behalf of the people and government of our state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and associates at this difficult moment.”

Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), described the death of Adebayo as the end of a remarkable era in public service.

Egbewole commiserated with the Government and people of Kwara State over the demise of a former governor of the state.

In a statement by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, Prof Egbewole recalled the several roles played by the late Adebayo in national development, particularly in the nation’s education sector.

The Vice-Chancellor also recalled that the tenure of Chief Adebayo as Kwara Commissioner for Education coincided with the period when the University of Ilorin was taking shape.

The VC said the support enjoyed by the university from the government and the people of Kwara contributed to making the university what it has become.