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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 laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown of Oke Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area, amid an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The funeral, held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Oke Onigbin, turned the serene community into a gathering point for dignitaries from all walks of life, including serving and former governors, senators, ministers, and other notable figures who came to honour the late political icon. Chief Adebayo passed away in August at the age of 84.
Among the prominent dignitaries in attendance were the host governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; his deputy, Elder Kayode Alabi; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and former Kwara Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Delivering a moving sermon, the Archbishop of Kwara Anglican Province, Most Rev. Israel Amoo, described Chief Adebayo as a man of rare integrity and unwavering faith who served both God and humanity with dignity. He called on leaders to emulate his selfless leadership and uprightness.
In an emotional but candid moment, Archbishop Amoo appealed directly to Governor AbdulRazaq to address the challenges faced by pensioners in the state. “Your Excellency, Mr. Governor, pensioners in Kwara State are suffering. They are suffering and dying in penury,” he lamented, urging the government to prioritize the payment of gratuities for retirees between 2019 and 2025.
He also decried the poor state of rural infrastructure, particularly the deplorable road leading to Oke Onigbin, describing it as both an economic burden and a threat to security. The cleric reminded all public office holders of the transient nature of power and the moral obligation to serve with accountability and compassion.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Engr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq, dignitaries, and friends who participated in the week-long burial rites held in Abuja and Kwara State.
In a touching tribute to his father’s enduring faith and community service, Engr. Adebayo announced the family’s donation of a brand-new bus to All Saints Anglican Church, Oke Onigbin.
Deputy Governor Elder Kayode Alabi, in his remarks, described Chief Adebayo as a “visionary leader, moral compass, and patriotic Nigerian whose life remains a beacon for generations to come.”
Governor AbdulRazaq later led dignitaries to the final interment at the Adebayo family compound, where the elder statesman was committed to mother earth amid tears, prayers, and tributes. Many described his passing as “the end of an era in Kwara’s political history.”
Other notable attendees included the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; former National Secretary of the APC, Dr. Iyiola Omisore; Deputy Senate Leader and Senator representing Kwara South, Arch. Oyelola Yisa Ashiru; and the Member representing Ekiti/Isin/Oke-Ero/Irepodun Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi (Ajuloopin).
Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo was widely celebrated for his integrity, public service, and contributions to national development — qualities that earned him respect across political divides. His burial marks the close of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and moral history.
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