He was a patriot, say Fayemi, Adeyeye

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The Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, has described the death of civil war hero Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle (retd.), as a painful loss to the Yoruba nation in particular and Nigeria.

He said, “We can only pray to God for the repose of the soul of this patriotic Nigerian, who was among those who put their lives on the line to sustain our country.”
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Adeyeye, in his reaction to Adekunle’s death, said that he was saddened and pained by the news of his death, adding that, “It can’t but be painful to have lost such a patriot and courageous soldier at this time when the country is contending with the Boko Haram insurgents.”

The minister said, “I join other Nigerians in mourning this great patriot, whose gallantry during the civil war as the leader of the 3rd Marine Commandoes contributed immensely to the sustenance of the unity and existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.

“The heroic roles he played in the 3rd Marine Commando, some of which have entered the myths of history made him one of the finest soldiers not only in Nigeria, but the entire continent of Africa.

“No doubt, the footprints of courage and patriotism, which Gen Adekunle left behind will remain indelible on the sands of time.

“I, therefore, commiserate with the Kabiyesi, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, the entire people of the Yoruba nation and Nigerians in general for the demise of this great patriot, who gave his all for Nigeria to remain a country.

“It is my prayer that the good Lord will console Mama Folake and her children, as well as the entire Adekunle family, and grant his departed soul eternal rest.”

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said the war hero was a dedicated officer who sacrificed a lot for the unity of the country.

Adekunle’s commitment to the indivisibility of Nigeria, Fayemi added, was never in doubt with his heroics deeds on the warfront.

The Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, described him as not only the best field commander Nigeria never had but also a colourful and controversial army officer.

According to the professor of History, the late Adekunle during the Civil War was courageous, daring and effective on the ground.

The late general as the pioneer commander of the 3rd Marine Commando of the Nigerian Army, Olukoju added, laid the foundation of what Gen. Obasanjo achieved during the war.