26 June, 2025
Kwara State has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of its foremost leaders, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former Governor, Minister, and respected elder statesman, who passed away at the age of 84.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in an official condolence message, described the late Adebayo as a timeless patriot and progressive whose life was devoted to public service and the pursuit of good governance.
“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,” the governor said.
He added that the former governor stood tall in every office he held, earning the respect and admiration of the people.
“On behalf of the people and government of our state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and associates at this difficult moment. I beseech the Almighty to repose his gentle soul and give strength to all of us, especially family members, at this moment of transition,” AbdulRazaq stated.
Also reacting to the loss, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, described Chief Adebayo as a true nationalist whose wisdom and experience were needed more than ever in today’s Nigeria.
“We have lost a great patriot and true nationalist in Chief Adebayo. His services, first as Commissioner for Education and later as Executive Governor of our dear state, and other national roles, were impressive and left behind legacies we will always remember and cherish,” the Speaker said.
He extended his condolences to Governor AbdulRazaq, the state government, and the Adebayo family, praying for God to grant the late statesman eternal rest and comfort to those left behind.
Chief Cornelius Adebayo’s distinguished public service career included roles as Commissioner in 1975, Senator in 1979, Governor of Kwara State in 1983, and Minister under the Obasanjo administration in 1999. His passing marks the end of an era for Kwara and Nigeria.
