President Bola Tinubu; Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; former governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, among others, have mourned the demise of a former governor of Kwara State and ex-minister of communications, Chief Cornelius Adebayo.

Adebayo reportedly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 84.

Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Adebayo was known for his impactful service in both state and national capacities.

He rose to political prominence in 1979 as a senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria.

He later became governor in 1983, a tenure cut short by a military coup on December 31, 1983.

Years later, he was appointed minister under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

At his Ilorin, Kwara State residence, a few of his political associates and some women were seen in the compound while some workers were erecting a canopy for visitors.

His children, including the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, were yet to arrive at his residence when The PUNCH correspondent visited the house at about 12.20 pm.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “I received the news of the passing of Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former academic and former governor of Kwara State, with profound sadness.

“During his extraordinary lifetime of 84 years, which was marked by an unyielding commitment to public service and progressive politics, C.O., as political associates fondly called him, was a strong voice and a leading light in Nigeria’s political firmament.

“As a senator in the Second Republic, he held aloft the banner of the Unity Party of Nigeria, led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“In the 1983 general election, his pedigree as a progressive politician shone brightly when he caused an electoral upset to win the governorship election in the old Kwara State as the second elected civilian governor.

“During the dark days of military dictatorship that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Adebayo was one of our leaders who cast aside every comfort and stood firmly in defence of democracy and the ideals of justice, fairness and equity.

“He spent several years in exile in Canada, a period that tested his resilience and commitment to his beliefs. Later, he returned to the country to join the politics of the Fourth Republic.”

The President lauded the deceased for his demonstration of rare courage, integrity and perseverance during the difficult times.

“I worked closely with him during our years in exile. He demonstrated rare courage, integrity, and perseverance during these difficult times.

“Within the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, he was a voice of reason and a stabilising influence.

“Chief Adebayo, who later served as the Minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2007, will be remembered for his patriotism and commitment to the progress of Kwara State and the Yoruba race,” he added.

The President hoped the immediate family he left behind, his political associates, the government and the people of Kwara State would find consolation in his legacy of impeccable service.

AbdulRazaq, in a statement, described Adebayo as a progressive statesman who represented great ideals.

He said, “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.

“C.O. Adebayo, as he was fondly called, was an all-time patriot, statesman, and progressive who represented great ideals and fought for good causes throughout his lifetime.

“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.”

Saraki, in a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter), wrote: “Chief Cornelius Adebayo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history.

“From his days as a lecturer at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to his roles as senator, governor of Kwara State, and minister of communications, he served with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to good governance and public service.

“He was one of the people on the frontline of the struggle against military rule.

“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.”

Saraki extended condolences to the Adebayo family, the people of Kwara State, and all Nigerians.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, commiserated with the governor over the demise of Adebayo.

In a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the emir described the late C.O. Adebayo as an administrator par excellence and elder statesman.

He noted, “The deceased contributed his quotas to the development of the state within his short period tenure in office as the Kwara State governor before the military took over power in 1983.

“The emir, however, condoled the immediate and extended family members of the late governor, government and people of Kwara State, his friends and political associates over the incident.

“The emir therefore prayed to God to repose his soul and give the families, widow, children, grand and great-grandchildren the faith to bear the irreplaceable loss.”