By Former Governor of Kwara State and elder statesman, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, has passed at the age of 84.
Born on 24 February 1941, Chief Adebayo passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, 25 June 2025, in Abuja following an age-related illness.
His passing was announced by one of his children, Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, in a statement on behalf of the family titled “Passage of Chief C.O. Adebayo.” The statement read:
“With profound sadness but gratitude to God, we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo. Born on 24 February 1941, he died in the early hours of today, 25 June.”
A distinguished public servant, Chief Adebayo was, at various times, a lecturer at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), a Second Republic Senator, Governor of Kwara State, and Minister of Communications and Transport between 2003 and 2007.
“Throughout his life, he was a dedicated public servant who served with distinction and integrity. Further details about funeral arrangements will be announced shortly,” the statement concluded.
In his condolence message, the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed sorrow over the news of the elder statesman’s death.
“C.O. Adebayo, as he was fondly called, was an all-time patriot, statesman, and progressive who represented great ideals and fought for worthy causes throughout his lifetime.
“With his carriage and roles at various levels of leadership, the former governor stood tall and earned the respect and admiration of all. He left a fine legacy as a democrat who stood up at critical moments in our history.
“On behalf of the people and government of our state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and associates at this difficult moment.
“I beseech the Almighty to repose his gentle soul and give strength to all of us, especially family members, at this moment of transition.”
Also mourning the late governor, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, extended his condolences to the Government and people of Kwara State.
In a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice-Chancellor described the death of the former governor—who hailed from Oke-Onigbin in the Irepodun Local Government Area—as the end of a remarkable era in public service.
Professor Egbewole recalled Chief Adebayo’s significant contributions to national development, particularly in the education sector. He noted that the late elder statesman had served as a lecturer at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), the former Kwara State College of Technology (now Kwara State Polytechnic), and as Kwara State Commissioner for Education in the late 1970s.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that Chief Adebayo’s tenure as Education Commissioner coincided with the formative years of the University of Ilorin. “The support the University received from the Kwara State Government during his time greatly contributed to its emergence as a world-class institution,” he remarked.
He further noted that Chief Adebayo went on to serve as a Senator of the Federal Republic between 1979 and 1983 and later held ministerial positions in the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2007.
Professor Egbewole also remembered Chief Adebayo’s activism as a leading figure in the pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), during the military era. “His sacrifices and those of his colleagues helped pave the way for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation,” he said.
He described Chief Adebayo’s life as one marked by uncommon patriotism and impactful public service, serving as a shining example of how academics can contribute meaningfully to society.
Lamenting that the elder statesman died just as the University of Ilorin was preparing to celebrate its Golden Jubilee, Professor Egbewole, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the Adebayo family, and the people of Kwara State.
He prayed for the repose of Chief Adebayo’s soul and strength for his family and colleagues to bear the loss.
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