Former Kwara Governor, Cornelius Adebayo, Passes On at 84

Cornelius Adebayo, a former governor of Kwara State and one-time Minister of Communications, has passed away at the age of 84.

Adebayo reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday, marking the end of a long and distinguished career in both state and national service.

Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, within Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Adebayo carved a reputation for leadership and integrity. He rose to political prominence in 1979 as a Senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

He became Governor of Kwara State in 1983, though his tenure was abruptly cut short following a military coup later that year. Years down the line, he was appointed Minister of Communications under President Olusegun Obasanjo, further cementing his legacy in Nigerian politics.

Reacting to his death, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed sorrow, describing Adebayo as “an administrator par excellence.” In a condolence message through his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir extended sympathies to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the people of Kwara, Adebayo’s family, and his political allies.

He prayed for the repose of the late elder statesman’s soul and comfort for his bereaved family.