Controversy trails cleric’s attack on Kwara governor at Cornelius Adebayo’s funeral

Controversy has trailed the criticism of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara, by Israel Amoo, the archbishop of the Anglican Province of Kwara, during the funeral service of Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, ex-governor of the state.

The burial rites of Adebayo, who died on June 25 at the age of 84 years, commenced on October 7.

The funeral service took place at the All Saints Anglican Church, Oke Onigbin, in Kwara, last Saturday.

The event was attended by AbdulRazaq; Bukola Saraki, former senate president; Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Kwara governor; Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun governor; Iyiola Omisore, Osun former deputy governor; and other dignitaries.

During his sermon, Amoo accused the state government of neglecting pensioners and failing to pay gratuities.

He also lamented the deplorable condition of roads in Oke-Onigbin and other parts of Kwara south, describing the situation as a major obstacle to the fight against insecurity.

“The road to this town is a nightmare. I believe your convoy plied the same road to this place, and you must have seen how terrible it is,” the archbishop said.

“It has become an obstacle to the fight against banditry and kidnapping. How can security forces from Ilorin respond swiftly to emergencies when the roads are this bad?

“I pray you live long, Mr Governor. But remember, you too will die one day. Let what people will say about you on that day guide your actions today.”

The cleric’s comments drew applause from sections of the congregation, though others viewed the remarks as inappropriate for a funeral service.

Shortly after the event, some loyalists of the governor criticised the sermon, alleging that the bishop’s comments were politically motivated and aimed at embarrassing the governor in public.

EX-GOVERNOR’S FAMILY REACTS

In response to the growing controversy, the family of the late governor issued a statement distancing itself from the archbishop’s comments.

The statement, signed by Bukunola Ajayi, Adebayo’s eldest daughter, said the family was not aware of the content of the sermon beforehand and did not select the preacher.

“Our father was a man of peace who respected authority, and it was unfortunate that his funeral was used as a platform for making remarks that did not reflect his values,” the statement reads.

“The content of the bishop’s sermon was not known to any family member beforehand, nor was he selected by the family to preach.

“We deeply regret any discomfort caused to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and reaffirm our respect and appreciation for the support extended to our family during the burial ceremony.

“Any suggestion that the preacher was chosen to undermine the government is entirely false and malicious. We remain committed to maintaining a cordial relationship with the Kwara State Government.”