By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has described the late former Governor of old Kwara State, Senator Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, as a statesman of uncommon honour and distinction.
In a condolence message to the family, Governor Ododo said Chief Adebayo, a proud son of Oke Onigbin in Kwara State, lived a life defined by integrity, brilliance, and selfless service to his people and the nation.
“Chief Adebayo was a true patriot who discharged his duties with fairness, vision, and uncommon passion. As Governor of the old Kwara State, which comprised present-day Kwara and Kogi States, he stood as a bridge-builder, leaving behind golden footprints of leadership that continue to inspire us today,” Ododo said.
He noted that Chief Adebayo’s later service as Senator of the Federal Republic and as Minister of Communications and Transportation further elevated his status as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding public servants.
Governor Ododo added that Adebayo was a democrat who believed in the power of education, justice, and good governance as tools for nation-building, stressing that his contributions will remain indelible in the hearts of the people.
He assured that the people of Kogi State, who share in the common heritage of the old Kwara State, will continue to remember Chief Adebayo with deep gratitude and respect.
