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...he would carry water on his head to the 9th floor of a building where... Mr Ayo Opadokun was hiding from the ... Abacha junta
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Goodnight, Rev. Adebiyi
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s at the time I was thinking I would not have to write another funeral tribute in 2014 after that of Bamidele Aturu, death played a last-minute one on me by snatching a very good brother, friend and faithful comrade in the trenches, Rev Tunji Adebiyi. I was outside the country when a message dropped on my phone from the one we call Pope. Have you heard that Rev Adebiyi is dead?” My world froze for a moment,
followed by a tinge of regret. My regret stemmed from the fact that fate played some unfortunate one on me that I was unable to see Rev Adebiyi for the last farewell before he took the final bow. I heard that he was critically ill a few days before his death and planned to see him because he was there for me in 1999 when I had some health challenge. He visited me several times and gave words of encouragement as a man of God. My travelling was under com-
pulsion and I told my wife the evening I was leaving that I just heard that Reverend was seriously ill and that as soon as I returned about three days later we would have to go see him, as one good turn deserves another. I had a nudge in my spirit to stop on the way to the airport to see him but Lagos traffic made me to almost miss my flight. I prayed that his condition would improve before I returned. That did not happen. I met him in 1993 during the struggle
against the annulment of June 12 where he played critical roles and served with all that he had. He sacrificed his entire being for the struggle. His eyes were misty as he recalled how he would carry water on his head to the 9th floor of a building where the then General Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr Ayo Opadokun was hiding from the clutches of the murderous Abacha junta. After Abacha caught Mr Opadokun and put him
Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. www.dailytimes.com.ng email: www.dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI
in “freedom jail”, Rev Adebiyi became the personal assistant to the Leader of Afenifere and Deputy Leader of NADECO, Senator Abraham Adèsanya whom he served with all his heart. He ran many errands for the cause of progress and did not flinch throughout those years of tortuous struggle. He was an epitome of commitment to worthy causes. When the struggle was over, he got some fringe appointments here and there but these were not commensurate to the sacrifices he made. But given his nature he served that system till he breathed his last. He was a practical demonstration of the unjust reward system in this country and of especially the one he served. Whereas those who were nowhere to be found when Adebiyi was pounding the streets for the cause are today billionaires, some on their first jobs, Adebiyi couldn’t afford the kind of care that would most probably have kept him longer alive. I learnt he spent a long time at a low rated hospital around his house in Jankara before he was moved to the General Hospital in Ikeja. It was at the point of death that he was moved to Saint Nicholas. My heart sank to learn that all that prevented his being taken to Cuba was mere N3m! Well, Rev Adebiyi has played his part and those who have a sense of history would always remember his good works. Good night Reverend Adebiyi and stay well in the company of Abraham Adesanya, Anthony Enahoro, Bola Ige, Solanke Onasanya, Baba Omojola, Chima Ubani, Bamidele Aturu and other departed veterans. May our God take care of the family you left behind. Sun re o!