Former Governor of Kwara State and one-time Minister of Communications, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, has passed away at the age of 83.
A respected statesman, academic, and reformist, Adebayo reportedly died on Tuesday morning following a brief illness. A family source, speaking to Channels Television on condition of anonymity, confirmed the news while noting that an official statement would be issued soon.
Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, now in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Chief Adebayo’s legacy spans education, governance, and national policy. He was known for his intellectual rigor and principled political stance.
Adebayo began his academic journey at All Saints Anglican School, Oke-Onigbin, before advancing to Provincial Secondary School, Ilorin, and the prestigious Barewa College, Zaria. He later earned degrees from Ahmadu Bello University (1964–1967) and the University of Ghana, Legon (1967–1969).
In 1969, he joined the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) as a lecturer, and by 1973, he was appointed Head of the English Department at the Kwara State College of Technology.
His foray into public service began when he served as Commissioner for Education, and later Commissioner for Information and Economic Development in Kwara State from 1975 to 1978.
Adebayo was elected Senator in 1979 under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), before ascending to the position of Governor of Kwara State in 1983.
However, his tenure was abruptly ended by the military coup of December 31, 1983, led by then-Major General Muhammadu Buhari.
National Impact and Telecom Reforms
In 1999, under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Adebayo returned to the national stage as Minister of Communications, where he played a critical role in liberalizing Nigeria’s telecom sector — setting the stage for the GSM revolution that reshaped the country’s digital economy.
Across political and academic circles, tributes are pouring in for the late statesman, with many describing him as a symbol of integrity, intellect, and public service.
“Chief Adebayo was one of the few politicians whose footprints spanned multiple generations and institutions — from lecture halls to national reform cabinets,” a political analyst noted.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
