Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo: 10 things to know as ex-Kwara gov dies

Former Kwara State Governor and ex-Minister of Communications, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, has passed away at the age of 84. Adebayo died in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Abuja. As tributes pour in, here are ten key facts to know about the late former governor of Kwara State.

1. He was born in 1941 in Igbaja, Kwara State
Cornelius Adebayo was born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of present-day Kwara State. His roots in the region would go on to shape his lifelong service to the people of Kwara and Nigeria at large.

2. He started his career in education
Before entering politics, Adebayo made his mark in academia. He taught at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and later headed the Department of English at the Kwara State College of Technology. His background in education remained a pillar of his public service.

3. He became a Senator in 1979
Adebayo’s political career gained traction in 1979 when he was elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His tenure in the Senate deepened his influence in national politics.

4. He was elected Governor of Kwara in 1983
He made history as the first civilian Governor of Kwara State under the Second Republic. However, his administration was short-lived due to the military coup that ousted civilian leaders in December 1983.

5. He was arrested but refused to serve under the military regime
Following the 1983 coup, Adebayo was briefly detained by the military. In a demonstration of his principled stance, he refused to accept a ministerial appointment under the military government, reinforcing his commitment to democratic governance.

6. He served as Minister of Communications under Obasanjo
In 2003, Adebayo returned to public service as Minister of Communications during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his tenure, he helped lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s growing telecommunications sector.

7. He was a champion of democratic ideals
Throughout his life, Adebayo was admired for his consistent support for democracy and good governance. He was associated with NADECO (National Democratic Coalition), the pro-democracy group that opposed military rule in the 1990s.

8. He played a role in promoting education and youth development
Adebayo’s dedication to education extended beyond the classroom. As governor and later in federal roles, he advocated for educational reform, universal basic education, and the empowerment of young Nigerians through knowledge.

9. He was widely respected across political lines
Despite Nigeria’s often polarised political landscape, Adebayo was widely admired by both allies and opponents. His integrity, humility, and commitment to public service earned him accolades from various political, traditional, and civil society groups.

10. His death has drawn tributes from national leaders
Following his passing in Abuja on June 25, 2025, tributes have poured in from across the country. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara described him as “a statesman of great distinction,” while the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, called him “an administrator par excellence.”

Cornelius Adebayo’s life was one of principle, service, and dedication. As Nigeria reflects on his contributions, his legacy as a public servant, educator, and advocate for democratic values remains firmly etched in the nation’s history.