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The remains of the late elder statesman, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a distinguished Senator, former Minister, and former Governor of Kwara State, were committed to mother earth on Saturday in his hometown of Oke Onigbin, turning the rural community into a convergence point for Nigeria’s political elite.
The funeral service, held at All Saints Anglican Church, was a high-profile affair, attracting a delegation of governors, federal ministers, and senators who paid their final respects to the late politician who passed on in August at the age of 84.
The Kwara political class and national figures converged for the final interment of the former governor who served during the Third Republic and later as Minister of Communications under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Leading the list of dignitaries was the host, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who arrived with his deputy, Elder Kayode Alabi. They were joined by former Senate President Senator Dr. Bukola Saraki, former Ogun State Governor Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the immediate past Kwara Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed (Mai Gida).
Speaking at the event, Archbishop of Kwara Anglican Province, Most Rev. Israel Amoo who delivered a powerful and emotional charge from the pulpit, commending Chief Adebayo for living a fulfilled and worthy life of uprightness and integrity, directly addressed the state governor on critical issues plaguing the state.
Archbishop Amoo highlighted the severe plight of retirees, stating emphatically, “Your Excellency, Mr Governor, pensioners in Kwara State are suffering. They are suffering and dying in penury.” He stressed that retirees from 2019 to 2025 are still awaiting their gratuities and urged the government to prioritize their welfare.
Furthermore, the clergyman decried the deplorable state of rural infrastructure, particularly the road leading to the funeral community of Oke-Onigbin. He described the poor roads as both an economic burden and a significant security threat, urging the govt to intervene.
The clergyman reminded all political office holders of the transient nature of power and the ultimate accountability awaiting them.
Speaking also, Engr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA, the deceased’s son who lead the final rites on behalf of the immediate family, in his vote of thanks expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq and other dignitaries for attending the one-week activities both in Abuja and Kwara State.
In a gesture honouring his father’s enduring Christian faith and community spirit, Engr. Adebayo announced the family’s donation of a brand new bus to All Saints Anglican Church.
Elder Kayode Alabi, while speaking earlier at the service, acknowledged the late politician’s immense contributions to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRazaq later led top government officials and dignitaries to the final interment as the remains of the elder statesman were laid to rest at his Oke Onigbin residence, marking what many described as the “end of an era for Kwara State.”
Other high-profile attendees included the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Dr. Iyiola Omisore, Deputy Senate Leader and Kwara South Senator, Arch Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, and the Member representing Ekiti/Isin/Oke-ero/Irepodun Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi (Ajuloopin).
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