18th May, 2017
Numerous politicians, among others converged on the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Road, GRA, Ikeja on Wednesday as activities leading to the burial of Maj-Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo began with a Service of Songs.
Adebayo, former military governor of the defunct old Western Region, died on March 8 in Lagos.
Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the service of songs that the late Adebayo would ever be remembered for promoting unity and development in the country.
“He rendered service to the country. He was absolutely fantastic; he was a wonderful man to know and I knew him personally.
“He taught us that politics is not everything and that politics should not be one of hatred and bitterness. There is more to life than politics,” he said.
Former governor of Ogun, Chief Gbenga Daniel said: “He was a father to all of us, he was a governor Emeritus, we would miss him because of his works”.
Also speaking, Sen. Gbenga Obadara of Ogun Central Senatorial District described late Adebayo as a” lover of people”.
Obadara said that the late general worked so well for the unity of the country, Africa and Yoruba race.
“He taught us to be selfless, and truthful,” the senator said.
Sen. Adeola Olamilekan of Lagos West Senatorial District said that late general had contributed to the growth and development of the nation.
“He is leader and a mentor, a distinguished Nigerian who had lived his life and ensured that Nigeria is a better place for all.
“He would be really missed. He was a politician par excellence. He left behind many legacies of selfless service.”
READ: Nigeria critical to U.S., Africa relations – Envoy
Also, Sen. Olorunmbe Mamora said the late general’s loyalty to the nation is beyond description.
Mamora said : “He rendered service to the country, Africa and beyond. His wisdom helped to preserve Nigeria’s unity.”
Earlier in his sermon, titled: “Overcoming the Vanities of this World”, the Dean of the Cathedral, Ven. Adegoke Agara admonished people not to be reckless in life.
Reading from the Ecclesiastes 1:2, the cleric urged the people to remember their creator and avoid pursuing vanity.
NAN reports that business tycoon, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former governor of Cross River, Chief Donald Duke; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, were among those present at the service of songs.
The Nigerian Army band was also on ground at the event.
The remains of Adebayo, who died on the eve of his 89th birthday, will be laid to rest in his home town in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State on May 20.