Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, former governor of Kwara State and pro-democracy activist, has died at the age of 84. Family sources confirmed that Adebayo passed away early Wednesday morning in Abuja.
Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja community of Kwara State, Adebayo had a distinguished political career spanning several decades in Nigeria's political landscape.
Political Career and Contributions
Adebayo served as the governor of Kwara State in 1983 and was elected as a senator in 1979 on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). His service to the nation continued when he was appointed as Minister of Communications, a position he held from 2003 to 2006.
Beyond his official positions, Adebayo was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), playing a significant role in the pro-democracy movement that fought to restore MKO Abiola's mandate following the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Standing Against Military Rule
Adebayo demonstrated remarkable courage during Nigeria's military era. In 1993, he declined a ministerial position offered by the Sani Abacha military regime, choosing to stand with democratic principles instead.
His pro-democracy activities came with significant personal risk. Following a bomb explosion in Ilorin on May 31, 1995, Adebayo was arrested and interrogated alongside other NADECO members. By 1996, facing increasing pressure from the military government, he was forced into exile in Canada for a brief period.
Adebayo's passing marks the end of an era for Kwara State politics and Nigeria's pro-democracy movement, leaving behind a legacy of public service and principled leadership.
Stay connected with BenriNews for more updates on this developing story and other important news across Nigeria.
Follow us on social media for the latest updates:
