JUST IN: FORMER KWARA GOVERNOR CORNELIUS ADEBAYO DIES AT 84

A former Governor of Kwara State and former Minister of Communications, Cornelius Adebayo, has died at the age of 84.

The elder statesman and accomplished administrator passed away in the early hours of Wednesday. Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja—now part of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State—Adebayo was widely respected for his service to both his state and the nation.

He entered the national political scene in 1979 when he was elected a Senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). In 1983, he became the Governor of Kwara State, though his tenure was abruptly ended by a military coup later that year. He later served as Minister of Communications during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian administration.

In a condolence message, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed profound sadness over Adebayo’s passing.

Describing him as “an administrator par excellence,” the Emir praised Adebayo’s notable contributions to the development of Kwara State during his short time in office.

A statement issued by the Emir’s Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, extended condolences to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the people of Kwara State, the Adebayo family, and the late politician’s associates.

The Emir also offered prayers for the repose of Adebayo’s soul and asked God to grant his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.