A Nigerian civil war veteran, retired Brigadier General Godwin Alabi-Isama, has said those who are jealous of the brilliancy of Late Brigadier Adekunle were behind the travails he went through.
The veteran civil war hero who was obviously not happy with the way Adekunle was treated said it is sad that Ojukwu who caused the war that claims of over 2millions lives and loss of valuables was buried with full military honour when he died while Adekunle brought the the war to an end was deprived of his rights.
Godwin Alabi Isama who served as Chief of Staff to Brig Gen. Benjamin Adekunle as the Commander of 3rd Marine Commando spoke during the Inaugural Benjamin Adekunle memorial lecture held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso on Wednesday.
Isama in a speech he entitled ‘ A man who came to fulfil Destiny’ said . 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 succesor.
“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 jelous 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 I5th I966; he was also not part of the counter coup of July, I966. He was never known to participate in any coup until he was retired from the Army in the year I974. Adekunle, the distinguished Asipa of Ogbomosho, was a professional soldiers’ soldier and 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 recognize 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 to be 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.
President of Ogbomoso Valiant Club Reat Admiran Jacob Ajani Retd in his lecture entitled “Military Prowress of Ogbomoso Sons and the Leadership Qualities of Late Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle:Lessons for the Youth said, majority of Ogbomoso people in the military were encouraged by his prowress.
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 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 point 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 association in Ogbomoso LAUTECH Management led by the Vice Chancelor Professor Olatunde Kalilu, Hon Mulikat Akande Adeola
