Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former governor of Kwara State, a federal minister, and a key figure in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, has passed away at the age of 84. His death, which occurred in Abuja on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to public service, intellectual pursuit, and principled activism.
His passing was confirmed in a statement from his family, which reflected on a life of integrity and distinction. Chief Adebayo’s journey mirrored the turbulent and hopeful chapters of Nigeria’s own political history, navigating the promise of civilian rule, the darkness of military dictatorship, and the eventual return to democracy.
From the Lecture Hall to the Senate
Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, Kwara State, Cornelius Adebayo’s early career was in academia. He was a respected lecturer at the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he helped shape the minds of a generation. His passion for education and public welfare first found a political outlet when he was appointed the Kwara State Commissioner for Education between 1975 and 1978.
With Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1979, Adebayo fully entered the political arena. He was elected as a Senator representing Kwara State under the banner of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the main opposition party at the time. This positioned him as a prominent voice against the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and established his credentials as a progressive politician.
A Governor’s Brief, Impactful Tenure
The pinnacle of his state-level political career came in 1983. In a closely watched and fiercely contested election, Adebayo defeated the incumbent NPN governor, Adamu Attah, to become the second elected governor of Kwara State. His victory was a significant political upset and a testament to his popularity and the people’s desire for change.
However, his tenure was tragically short-lived. He held office for only three months, from October to December 1983. On the last day of that year, the military, led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari, abruptly ending the Second Republic. Like all other elected officials, Governor Adebayo was removed from office, his plans and vision for Kwara State cut short by the coup.
The Pro-Democracy Struggle and Exile
Chief Adebayo did not fade into political obscurity. When the military regime of General Sani Abacha annulled the free and fair presidential election of June 12, 1993, won by Chief Moshood Abiola, Adebayo joined the ranks of brave Nigerians who stood up to fight for justice. He became a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a formidable pro-democracy group that demanded the restoration of Abiola’s mandate.
His activism came at a great personal cost. In 1995, following a bomb blast in Ilorin, he was arrested along with other NADECO members. Facing increasing persecution from the brutal military regime, he fled Nigeria in 1996 and went into exile in Canada, from where he continued to advocate for the return of democracy to his homeland.
A Return to National Service
With Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Chief Adebayo was able to return from exile. His sacrifices and commitment to democratic ideals were recognized when President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him to his cabinet in 2003. He served with distinction as the Minister of Communications and later as the Minister of Transportation until 2007.
His family’s statement captured the essence of his long and varied career:
“Throughout his life, he was a dedicated public servant who served with distinction and integrity.”
Conclusion
Chief Cornelius Adebayo’s life was a masterclass in resilience and unwavering principle. He was an intellectual who embraced public service, a politician who challenged the status quo, a governor whose promise was cut short, an activist who risked his freedom for democracy, and an elder statesman who served his country at the highest levels.
His journey from the lecture halls of Ife to the governor’s office in Ilorin, and from the cells of a military regime to the federal cabinet in Abuja, tells the story of a man deeply intertwined with the fate of his nation. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, courage, and an unshakeable belief in the power of democracy.
