Araba Sanni mourns Cornelius Adebayo, says he was a pro-democracy general

Araba Sanni, chairman of Flow FM 92.7, has mourned the passing of Cornelius Adebayo, a former governor of Kwara state and ex-minister of communications.

Adebayo died early Wednesday in Abuja aged 84.

In a statement, Sanni described the deceased as a mentor whose leadership shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He said Adebayo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history and a personal guide who introduced him to the principles of public service grounded in integrity and values.

He recalled their shared years in exile during the military era, where Adebayo led the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) group in Canada “with discipline and wisdom”.

“Through him, I came to understand that public life is not about expediency, but about values and unwavering integrity,” Sanni said.

He added that Kwara and Nigeria have lost a voice of reason and dignity.

“Working closely with him was an honour and an education. He was a true ‘general’ in the pro-democracy struggle — calm under pressure, deeply thoughtful, and always guided by reason and restraint,” Sanni said.

“Chief Adebayo’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and in the values he stood for. May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.”