Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan
Eminent Nigerians led by Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, South West governors and their deputies, former military and civilian governors, and Yoruba leaders on Thursday converged on Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to pay last respect to former military governor of Western Region, Major General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd.),at a day of tribute held at House of Chiefs.
Leading the family to pay theolast respect was his wife, Modupe accompanied by the son and former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo.
His corpse which had earlier being received at about 2pm at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was accompanied to the venue by four governors- Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregebsola (Osun), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).
It would be recalled that General Adebayo died on 8th March, 2017 at the age of 89, a day before his 90th birthday.
Apart from Saraki and the governors, others present at the event include Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs, Titi Laoye Tomori, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, Former Military Governors of old Oyo State, General David Medaiyese Jemibewon, Maj. General Oladayo Popoola and Vice Admiral Akin Aduwo and former civilian governor of old Oyo State Dr. Victor Olunloyo, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State Chief Iyiola Oladokun.
Others are the Olubadan of Ibadanland who was represented by his chiefs led by High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin (Balogun of Ibadanland), and Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude.
Provost of the Cathedral, St. Peters Anglican Church, Ibadan, Ven. Wale Adebiyi and representative of Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abubakri Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, prayed for the soul of the departed military general.
Saraki in his tribute urged the gathering not to mourn but rather celebrate a life well spent.
He said, "I stand here not to mourn but celebrate General Adebayo. It is not common for six state governors to celebrate an individual, let me commend the efforts of the organizers. I think Baba Adebayo deserves more than this, on behalf of the entire Senate, I say that General Adebayo is more than the South-West, he was a true Nigerian.
"That is why the entire Nigeria is here to honour him. The only tribute we can pay to him is to sustain his labour of serving Nigeria dilligently so that he and other past heroes will not die in vain."
Ajimobi while speaking on behalf of the other governors, described Adebayo as an illustrious son of Africa for whom dignitaries gathered to bid final farewell.
"Papa fought a good fight, and we take solace in the life that he lived, I congratulate us all for the good works of the late General Adeyinka Adebayo. Papa has carved his name on our heart, his legacy will always remain in our heart. May his gentle soul rest in peace", he said.
Members of Yoruba Council of Elders who spoke through Chief Idowu Sofola described the demise of Adebayo as a hugh loss, saying "He was an embodiment of what has been said here. As military governor, he contributed to the betterment of his people and as Chairman of YCE he worked diligently for the betterment of Yorubaland'.
Representative of Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari, said the tremendwous achievements by the former Pro Chancellor of the university, will continue to be remembered by the university.
While welcoming guests to the ceremony, Secretary to the Oyo State Government who is also Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Olalekan Alli, said the demise of Adebayo though heartbreaking was a thing of joy for a life well spent.
