Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan
Governors and dignitaries across the six Southwest states would have the opportunity to pay their last respect to the late Governor of the defunct Western States, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, when his body lies in state at the Parliament Building, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, on Thursday.
The Sectary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Olalekan Alli, who is also the coordinating chairman of a special committee set up for the purpose by the six Southwest states, said this during a press briefing at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Monday.
Expected at the lying-in-state are delegates from Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and the host Oyo States, which formed the defunct Western Region and the Western States, before the creation of states.
Other members of the committee at the briefing were the Ondo State SSG, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde; a Director from the Lagos State Cabinet Office, Mrs. Morenikeji Sobajo; and two family representatives, Chiefs Femi Adebayo and Ayo Ogundele.
Alli said, “Late General Adeyinka Adebayo was the predecessor of the collective six states governors; hence there is nothing more honourable than to give the late military hero a befitting burial.
“Dignitaries from all walks of life will join the Southwest governors to celebrate the exit of this icon, when his body will lie in state on Thursday, May 18, at the Parliament Building, House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.
“Apart from governors, we are also expecting prominent groups and individuals at the event, such as the Yoruba Council of Elders, where Baba was pioneer chairman; management of the University of Ibadan; Old Boys of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti; and members of Retirees Association of the Military.
“Apart from governors, we are also expecting prominent groups and individuals at the event, such as the Yoruba Council of Elders, where Baba was pioneer chairman; management of the University of Ibadan; Old Boys of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti; and members of Retirees Association of the Military.”
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, appointed the departed statesman military governor of the then Western Region in 1966, a position he held till 1971.