• C. O. Adebayo
• Dies @ 84

FORMER KWARA STATE GOVERNOR, CORNELIUS OLATUNJI ADEBAYO, DIES AT 84

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  CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks
• 0
• 2 min read

Former Governor of Kwara State, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, has passed away at the age of 84. He died in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Abuja, according to family sources. Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja Community, Kwara State, Adebayo had a distinguished career in public service. He served as the Governor of Kwara State for a brief period from October 1 to December 1, 1983, before being overthrown by the military. Prior to his governorship, he was elected as a Senator of the Federal Republic under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1979. Adebayo also served as Minister of Communications between 2003 and 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group that resisted military rule and fought to reclaim the June 12, 1993, presidential mandate won by late Chief Moshood Abiola. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, paid tribute to Adebayo, describing him as “an all-time patriot, statesman, and progressive who represented great ideals and fought for good causes throughout his lifetime.” The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and associates of the deceased. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, also commiserated with the government and people of Kwara State over Adebayo’s demise. He described Adebayo as an administrator par excellence and elder statesman who contributed significantly to the development of the state. Adebayo’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many mourning the loss of a respected leader. His legacy as a dedicated public servant who served with distinction and integrity will be remembered for generations to come.