House of Representatives member AbdulRaheem Olawuyi, representing Ifelodun/Irepodun/Isin/Ekiti/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State, has hailed the late former Governor Chief Cornelius Adebayo who passed away on 25 June 2025 as a "political colossus and administrative enigma" during a tribute session with the Omo Ibile Igbomina Forum (Abuja Chapter).

Speaking in Abuja, Olawuyi pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to immortalise Chief Adebayo's legacy, noting his "meritorious service at both state and federal levels."

Dr Dele Gege, representing the Forum's President, described the late governor as a "freedom fighter and advocate for the marginalised," adding: "Chief Adebayo was the Political Moses of our time a visionary who led his people toward progress."

The tribute underscores Chief Adebayo's enduring impact on Kwara's socio-political landscape, with calls for institutional recognition of his contributions to governance and development.

Dr Dele noted that Adebayo, who served as minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2007, was committed to the progress of Kwara State and the Yoruba race.

General Secretary, Dr. Fatai Jimoh, said Adebayo was a political sage, and bridge builder.

Dr. H. B. Oyedepo, a forum elder, noted that the former governor was an embodiment of integrity, a politician with impeccable character and an academician.

"His 84 years was marked by an unyielding commitment to public service and progressive politics, C.O., as associates fondly called him, was a strong voice and a leading light in Nigeria.

As senator in Second Republic, he held aloft the banner of Unity Party of Nigeria, led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

In 1983 elections, his pedigree as a progressive politician shone brightly when he caused an electoral upset to win the governorship in the old Kwara State as second elected civilian governor.

During the military dictatorship that followed annulment of June 12, 1993, Presidential Election won by late Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Adebayo was one of the leaders, who cast aside every comfort and stood firmly in defence of democracy and ideals of justice, fairness and equity.