Pictures from the burial of General Adeyinka Adebayo and his lifetime
By Muyiwa Olayinka
Robert Adeyinka Adebayo was born on 9th March 1929 and he died on 8th March 2017), after a brief illness in his Lagos residence. He was aged 88 yrs.
He was a Nigerian Army Major General who served as governor of the now defunct Western State of Nigeria, 1966–1971.
The old western state of Nigeria comprises of the present 5 states, namely, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Ogun states.
As governor of the Western region he promoted agricultural extension services in particular the establishment of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.
He was also Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army and was Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy.
As of 2011 Adebayo is the chairman of the Yoruba council of elders. His eldest son Otunba Niyi Adebayo was a governor of Ekiti State in Nigeria from 1999 to 2003.
Another son, Adesola Adebayo was the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Ekiti State under Dr Kayode Fayemi led Administration from 2010 to 2014. Another son, Adedayo Adebayo, played rugby for Bath and for the England National team winning six international caps between 1996 and 1999.
Another of his children, Leke Adebayo is an actor, writer and producer in London and has appeared in and scripted various productions.
General Adebayo, a successful military man and a good family man must have died a fulfilled man.
Major General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo was laid to rest in his home town, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State on May 21.