Cornelius Adebayo, epitome of Integrity, service – Saraki

Mansur Aramide, Ilorin

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described former Governor of Kwara State and elder statesman, Late Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, who died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 84, as a principled leader and a man of integrity.

In a statement on Wednesday, Saraki described Adebayo as a committed progressive and one of the finest public servants of his generation.

While expressing sadness at the death of the Second Republic Senator, he said, “Chief Cornelius Adebayo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history. From his days as a university lecturer in then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Senator in the Second Republic, to his service as Governor of Kwara State, and later as Minister of Communications, he distinguished himself with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of high ethics, good governance, and public service.

“He was one of the people on the frontline of the struggle against military rule. He will be sorely missed,” Saraki stated.

“As a fellow former Governor of Kwara State, I deeply appreciate his legacy of service and the solid foundation he laid for the development of our dear state. His life’s work remains an inspiration to generations of leaders in Kwara and beyond,” he stated.

Saraki extended condolences to the Adebayo family, the people of Kwara State, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of the revered elder statesman.