The remains of Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former Governor of Kwara State, were laid to rest yesterday in his hometown of Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area, Kwara State. The solemn occasion brought together family, friends, and dignitaries to honor the life of a beloved statesman.

Renowned for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to good governance and human development as described by his immediate family, friends and institutions, Adebayo was celebrated across Nigeria. The funeral service took place at All Saints Anglican Church in Oke-Onigbin, where the air was thick with emotion.

The lead bishop implored Chief Adebayo’s children to carry forward their father’s legacy of honesty, discipline, and selfless service to humanity. After the service, the former governor was interred amidst a backdrop of tears and solemn hymns, as family members, associates, and dignitaries shared heartfelt tributes that painted the portrait of Adebayo as a true patriot and a man whose character was without stain.

Chief Adebayo was born in 1941, passed away in June 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated educator, a principled public servant, and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics who served on different capacities at different times. In 1983 he briefly held the gubernatorial position in Kwara State in late 1983, and later contributed to the communications sector as the Federal Minister of Communications from 2003 to 2006 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Bishop David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), offered special prayers for the repose of Adebayo’s soul, seeking divine comfort for the grieving family left behind.

Engr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, the son of the deceased and CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), spoke on behalf of the family, expressing profound gratitude to the dignitaries and well-wishers for their unwavering support during the burial rites. In a beautiful homage to his father’s commitment to philanthropic work, he announced the donation of a bus to the church, symbolizing Adebayo’s dedication to missionary endeavors.

The ceremony saw a confluence of Nigeria’s elite, including Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, his deputy Mr. Kayode Alabi, former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and former Governor Dr. AbdulFatah Ahmed. Notable attendees included APC Osun 2026 governorship aspirant Senator Iyiola Omisore, former Ogun State Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel, and other prominent figures such as Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the President, and Engr. Yakubu Danladi, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly. The gathering stood as a testament to the indelible mark that Chief Cornelius Adebayo left on the hearts of many, a legacy that will resonate through the years.