Nigerian civil war veteran Brigadier General Godwin Alabi-Isama (rtd) has revealed how envious soldiers planned the death of General Benjamin Adekunle, a 1967-1969 civil war hero.
Alabi-Isama, in a speech entitled “A man who came to fulfil destiny, delivered at Late General Benjamin Adekunle’s inaugural lecture at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday, disclosed that those who were jealous of his brilliancy were behind his travails.
The civil war veteran who served as the Chief of Staff to Gen. Adekunle as the Commander of the 3rd Marine Commando decried the non-recognition of the deceased by successive administrations in the country.
He said it is sad that Ojukwu, who caused the war that claimed over two million lives and loss of valuables, was buried with full military honour while Adekunle, who brought the war to an end, was deprived of his rights.
According to him, “They discredited us for their own glory, they lied against him, Adekunle never stole money as they claimed, he lived in a tent during the war, we had no furniture, no officer’s mess as claimed by his successor.
“Having worked under Brig-Gen Adekunle’s dynamic leadership as his Chief of Staff during the most challenging period of Nigeria’s civil war years (I967-69) when he was the Commander of the Third Marine Commando Division, I am therefore speaking from a vantage and authoritative position and can attest to his patriotism, sharp mind, and engaging knowledgeable expertise in military matters.”
“He was just a brilliant person, and they were too jealous of him, and that was why they lied against him.” Adekunle was a professional soldier who was not involved in any coup plotting against constituted authority; he did not participate in the Nzeogwu coup of Jan 5th, I966; he was also not part of the counter-coup of July, I966.
“He was never known to participate in any coup until he retired from the Army in the year I974. Adekunle, the distinguished Asipa of Ogbomosho, was a professional soldier’s soldier and a true patriot who respected the Nigerian flag until his last breath.”
“My final word is for you, sons and daughters of Ogbomosho, nay Yoruba Nation, to get your acts together and recognise your heroes; do not expect anyone to do it for you. Go get your son, the hero of our time, Gen Adekunle, out of Ikoyi cemetery back home to Ogbomosho for a befitting hero’s burial in a newly created Hero’s Park, and leave the rest to God.”
“Adekunle does not need any more adjectives to describe his efforts at keeping Nigeria one during the trying history of our country.” he concluded.
In his address, President of Ogbomoso Valiant Club Reat Admiral Jacob Ajani Retd, in his lecture entitled “Military Prowess of Ogbomoso Sons and the Leadership Qualities of Late Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle: Lessons for the Youth, said the majority of Ogbomoso people in the military were encouraged by his prowess.
He added that the lessons are loyalty, integrity, sense of responsibility, knowledge, courage, initiative, and decisiveness. Others are tact, dependability, endurance, enthusiasm, unselfishness, and bearing.
Also, Professor Omotoye Olorode and Dr Olayinka Ogungbile, in their brief lectures, highlighted the role played by Gen Adekunle in enhancing the unity of Nigeria and how he was deprived of the rightful honour by the government.
President Ogbomoso Parapo Justice Afolabi Adeniran and Professor Sola Adepoju, Dr Akin Onigbinde, Hon. Sunday Dare, and others, in their separate remarks, said they will consider the request of General Alabi Isama and ensure a proper honour for the late Civil War Hero.
Barrister Segun Adekunle, who gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the family, hinted that the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume, has promised to look into all the points raised by the family and guest lecturers and accord the late Brigadier his due honour.
The lecture was attended by Retired and serving military officers, Clubs and associations in Ogbomoso LAUTECH Management led by the Vice Chancellor Professor Olatunde Kalilu, Hon Mulikat Akande Adeola.
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