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Mark, Tinubu, Aregbesola, Ajimobi, others mournTributes have continued to pour in for late Gen Benjamin Adekunle (aka Black Scorpion), with Senate President, Senator David Mark describing him as a father-figure who fought vehemently to keep Nigeria united and indivisible.
In a condolence message to the immediate family, government and the people of Oyo State, Senator Mark said the Ogbomoso-born Adekunle was a success in all ramifications of his military career.
“He led the Third Marine Commando Division with such great panache and determination and precision. He was a father, a brother, a substantive Army General and a patriotic Nigerian. We are pained at the news of his death.”
Senator Mark urged his family to remain united and dedicated in the service of God and humanity stressing that those were the attributes the deceased was known for during his lifetime.
He called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State government to immortalise the late general; saying that it will serve “as a morale booster to our service men who are placed in harm’s way for us to have a peaceful nation.”
A generalissimo has fallen – Tinubu
In his reaction, the former governor of Lagos State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu described late Gen Adekunle as a great patriot who put his life on the line for the unity of Nigeria.
Reacting to the death yesterday, the former governor said the fallen general was a soldier’s soldier. “He was a man of valour and unimaginable bravery; lion-hearted and a leader of men. He served his fatherland devotedly and without question when we most needed him.
“Like most great men,” Tinubu said Adekunle was “greatly misunderstood. His flamboyant and outspoken nature made him a colourful character. However, that never stopped him from emerging as one of the most remarkable icons in Nigeria’s military history. On the battle field, he had no equal. He represented the best generation of our military personnel; the ones who refused to back down from any enemy; who put their very existence on the line for our continued coexistence,” Tinubu said.
Benjamin Adekunle a courageous soldier – Aregbesola
Joining the crowd of mourners, the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola described Gen Adekunle as a courageous soldier whose death has closed a long chapter in the history of the nation.
In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor said he received the news of the death of one of Nigeria’s finest soldiers with a heavy heart.
“We receive with heavy heart the death of one of Nigeria’s finest soldiers, who fought for the unity of his country. No doubt, he was a soldier of soldiers and commander of men. He distinguished himself in his chosen profession both at home and abroad.”
Aregbesola said Adekunle played a crucial role in the civil war that almost liquidated the Nigerian nation; adding that the general was vital in securing the unity of Nigeria following the outbreak of the nation’s civil war in the 60s.
“Adekunle led the Third Marine Commando Division during the Civil war with such great courage and determination. Up till date, his war exploits in the command of the Third Marine remains subject of discussion across Nigeria and beyond.
Adekunle’s death, monumental loss to Nigeria – Ajimobi
In the same vein, his Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola Ajimobi commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late general, describing the passing away of the civil war hero as a monumental loss to the country.
In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, Governor Ajimobi said that he was extremely saddened by the news of the death of Gen. Adekunle.
“Although Gen. Adekunle had for some time now been facing some health challenges, his death at this material time when the country is passing through difficult times, in terms of security and national cohesion, is tragic and shocking,” he said.
Adekunle, Nigeria’s best general –Fani-Kayode
Also reacting, the former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode described Gen Adekunle as “the greatest, the most courageous, the most disciplined and the most effective general in the history of the Nigerian Army. He was the single reason the Nigerian Armed Forces prevailed over Biafra during the civil war.”
While recalling his gallantry as the head of the Third Marine Commando, Fani-Kayode said it was unfortunate that the nation failed to adequately honour him while he was alive.
Adekunle: We lost a gem –Omisore
Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the 2014 Osun State governorship election, Senator Iyiola Omisore has described Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle as a man who distinguished himself as a thorough bred professional soldier, noting that he came, saw and conquered.
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