Group Pays Tribute To Late Pioneer Chair Adebayo

A group, Movement for National Reformation (MNR), has mourned the late former chairman, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo.

It described the deceased as a patriot, statesman and tireless advocate for democracy and justice in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the secretary of MNR, Dr Philip Idaewor, said Adebayo, who passed on June 25, 2025, at the age of 84 years, served as chairman of the MNR with distinction, courage and vision of nation-building.

Idaewor explained that late Adebayo stood at the forefront of the struggle for democratic governance, political restructuring and national unity.

Idaewor said Adebayo was a leading member of the pro-democracy movement and a prominent voice within NADECO. Adebayo remained unwavering in his commitment to freedom, justice, and the rights of the Nigerian people, he said.

According to him, Adebayo’s contributions extended beyond activism, adding that “he was a respected leader in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, and the Middle Belt Forum, where he was not a key leader, but served as a member of the Middle Belt Elders Council for over 20 years.

Similarly, Adebayo was one of the leaders of the Southern and Middle Belt Elders Forum, which comprised Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze (South East) and PANDEF (South-South).

The late Adebayo also distinguished himself in public service. As a senator during the second republic between 1979 and 83, former governor of the old Kwara State, and later minister in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, he brought integrity, principle and dedication to governance, leaving a legacy of selfless leadership.