…Narrates His Political Ties with Late Gov. C.O. Adebayo
By Ajewole Joshua | ABNews |July 5, 2025
A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Alhaji (Chief) M.B. Ba’ako, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his long-time friend and political associate, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, former Executive Governor of Kwara State.
In an exclusive interview with ABNews, Ba’ako, who represented Afon Constituency in Asa Local Government in 1983 under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), described Chief C.O. Adebayo as “a remarkable leader” and “a committed citi” whose contributions to the state remain unforgettable.
“Chief C.O. Adebayo was a close friend to me,” Ba’ako said. “He was born in 1941 and I was born in 1940, but our age difference never stood in the way of our close friendship. He would come all the way to Afon just to visit me.”
Reflecting on their political journey, Ba’ako revealed that the late Chief Adebayo had approached him in 1979 during the UPN National Conference in Lagos to express his intention to contest for the governorship of Kwara State.
“He came to me at the UPN conference and told me he wanted to run for governor. He asked for my support and I gave it to him. By the grace of God, he won the election and defeated his opponent,” Ba’ako recalled.
Both men were elected into office on October 1, 1983—Ba’ako as an Assembly member and Adebayo as governor. Their administration was, however, short-lived due to the military coup that occurred on December 31st of the same year by General Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon
“We started our official duties on October 1st, 1983, but the coup by General Muhammadu Buhari and Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon removed us on December 31st. It was just three months, but in that short time, Chief Adebayo made history,” Ba’ako noted.
Among the most impactful of Chief Adebayo’s achievements, Ba’ako pointed to the transformation in the state’s education system.
“Before our government, schools operated on shifts. Some pupils would go in the morning, others in the afternoon. But within three months of taking over, Chief Adebayo’s administration stopped the shift system. Till today, that change remains. No other governor has done that,” he said.
Beyond politics, Ba’ako spoke warmly about their personal bond and the mutual respect they shared. He noted that Chief Adebayo remained a loyal friend even long after their time in government.
“When I launched my book in 2015, he came all the way to Afon to celebrate with me. That shows the kind of person he was—humble, committed, and loyal to his friends.”
As the Kwara State chapter leader of the Afenifere Renewal Group, Ba’ako led a condolence delegation to Chief Adebayo’s family residence in Ilorin on June 30, 2025.
“We went there to sympathize with the family and pray together. We took a group photograph to show our solidarity. His loss is not just personal—it is a loss to Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole,” he stated.
Chief C.O. Adebayo, who also served as a senator and minister at various times, is remembered for his statesmanship, humility, and far-reaching impact on governance in Kwara and beyond.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest. May He comfort his family, friends, and all of us who knew what he stood for,” Ba’ako prayed.
Chief Adebayo’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who served with him and in the lasting policies that improved the lives of many in Kwara State.
For exclusive political interviews and community news, stay connected with ABNews.
