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Emeritus Professor Mark Nwagwu has urged Nigerian politicians and leaders to emulate the courageous life and selfless leadership qualities of the late first military governor of the former Western State of Nigeria, Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, to develop and move Nigeria forward.
The Professor of Zoology made this charge in Ibadan on Saturday during the 57th Adekunle Fajuyi Remembrance Lecture organized by the Adekunle Fajuyi Foundation.
Nwagwu stated that the assassination of Lieutenant-Colonel Fajuyi and his principal and guest, the first military Head of State, Major-General J. T. U. Aguiyi-Ironsi, in Ibadan during the coup of July 29, 1966, was unfortunate, yet ordained by fate.
The don − who dedicated his 1992/1993 University of Ibadan Lecture to the memory of Fajuyi − stated that it was an honour to talk about great and exalted men like Fajuyi. He described Fajuyi as a detribalised, incorruptible, irreplaceable, selfless, brave, and courageous leader who sacrificed his life for his people and country.
“At this time in our lives, when we are searching for persons of certain qualities − a deep sense of honour and integrity − it is right and proper to honour the memory of this fine soldier (Fajuyi) who surrendered his life rather than surrender his guest,” the don said. “This fine soldier (Fajuyi) is one of the greatest men of honour this country has ever produced.”
Professor Nwagwu lamented that men and leaders like Fajuyi are lacking in the political and leadership sphere of the country. He added that if Nigeria must develop and move forward, courageous and selfless men like Fajuyi are needed.
Prior to the lecture, the Secretary-General of the Adekunle Fajuyi Foundation, Oloye Alabi, while giving the welcome address, spoke briefly about an article he published in 2001 titled ‘Fajuyi and the Nigerian Hue’.
In the article, Alabi stated that the objectives of the Adekunle Fajuyi Foundation encompass “the desire to keep the gallant soldier’s spirit aglow, promote national unity, patriotism, service, loyalty, and sacrifice to the fatherland.”
Brigadier-General Oluwole Rotimi, while giving the opening remarks, stressed that a civilian government is better than a military government because soldiers use guns to settle disputes while politicians use dialogue to settle disputes.
He lamented that most people in positions of power are surrounded by sycophants who mislead or advise them wrongly to take decisions that can lead to problems and widen the gulfs that already exist in the socio-political, ethnic, and religious sectors of the country.
“Unless we understand the differences in Nigeria, there will be no future for us,” Rotimi said.
He stated that Fajuyi was not afraid to die for the country, and for that heroism, his name will be written in the history book of heroes.
Also at the event were the wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Olori Joyce Anene Balogun; Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo State, Dr Alex Anozie; the Onilalupon of Lalupon Town in Ibadan, Oba Munirudeen Arigbabuwo; the wife of the second son of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Fajuyi, Mrs Omotunde Fajuyi; and Professor Remi Raji-Oyelade.
Olori Joyce Anene Balogun stated that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, was in support of the lecture and that he was aware of the kind of man Fajuyi was and the sacrifices he made for the country.
She said the throne is ready to support the work the foundation is doing to sustain the legacy of the late soldier.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs Fajuyi noted that Lieutenant-Colonel Fajuyi gave the family and friends the platform to achieve great things because of the kind of person he was and what he stood for.
She stressed that Lieutenant-Colonel Fajuyi espoused courage, selfless living, and probity.
“There is no way Nigerian leaders can move Nigeria forward without adopting the kind of life Fajuyi lived,” she said.
Early in the day, prior to the lecture, members of the foundation and others visited and prayed at the tomb site of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi at Lalupon in Lagelu Local Government Area of Ibadan.
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