ABUJA — Former Governor of Kwara State and one-time Federal Minister of Communications, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, has passed away. Born on 24 February 1941, Adebayo died in Abuja on 25 June 2025 at the age of 84, ending a distinguished career in public service .
Adebayo briefly served as Governor of Kwara State during the Second Republic in 1983 before the military coup led to his removal from office . Later, he returned to the national stage as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications from July 2003 to August 2006 under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration .
A respected lecturer-turned-politician, Adebayo held academic positions at the University of Ife and Kwara State College of Technology before entering public office . He also represented Kwara State in the Senate, where he was known for his advocacy for democratic governance.
His tenure in the Communications Ministry is remembered for efforts to expand and modernise telecommunication infrastructure nationwide. In recognition of his contributions to democracy and governance, Adebayo was fondly referred to as “C.O. Adebayo” and honoured by leaders such as President Muhammadu Buhari on his 80th birthday .
Adebayo is survived by his family and a legacy of service that spanned academia, state leadership, and federal policymaking. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly.