BEVERLY HILLS, May 20, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the renaming of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, after the late military governor of the old Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (retd.).
He stated this on Saturday through
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the funeral service held at All Saints Anglican Church, Iyin Ekiti.
The President’s oration which was read at the service by Osinbajo, described Adebayo as a real officer and a gentleman, saying his military trajectory was in a way a lesson in Nigeria’s history.
He identified the Adeyinka Adebayo Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, as one of the ways Nigeria would appreciate the contributions of the deceased to the unity of the country and immortalise him.
Buhari added that Adebayo fought relentlessly for the unity of the country during the civil war that ravaged the country between 1967 and 1970, and that he suggested to the federal government to opt for dialogue rather than the use of force.
“This is a celebration of a life of sacrifice and dedication to one’s community and nation. General Adebayo was a fine gentleman and the first indigenous Chief of Army Staff who Mr. President had a harmonious relationship with.
“To let you know how respectable this man was to President Buhari, the president personally instructed me to be here. General Adebayo had demonstrated that one must learn how to impact the community where he has the opportunity of serving. As a military officer, he did well and a military governor, he served the people selflessly.
“As a military officer in 1967, he fought hard to prevent the rebel army from making an incursion into Lagos, the then Federal Capital Territory. He headed the post-war conciliation committee for the integration of the Igbos back to Nigeria. In fact, his military trajectory was a case study in Nigeria.
“General Adebayo did not only serve Nigeria, he served with integrity. In the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, General Adebayo was a member of National Democratic Coalition,” he said in the oration.
