TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has renamed the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) after Adeyinka Adebayo, a late military governor of the old western region.

Represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari made this known on Saturday at the funeral service held for the late Adebayo at All Saints Anglican Church in Ekiti.

He said the late general impacted his community and served his people selflessly.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Adeniyi Adebayo, son of the late general, speaking on behalf of the family promised to live up to his father’s legacy.

“Though the shoe my father left behind might be too difficult for me, but I promise to live up to expectation. I will do my best for my father to be happy with me in heaven,” he said.