The death of civil war hero, General Benjamin Adekunle, remains a shocking incident to the country and those who knew how he helped in unifying Nigeria.
This is the opinion of most of those, including President Goodluck Jonathan, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former governor of Lagos, who commiserated with his family at his death on Saturday.
Adekunle, popularly called Black Scorpion, handed over to Obasanjo as a commander almost at the end of the Nigerian civil war. He died on Saturday at the age of 78.
President Jonathan, who said Adekunle would be remembered as one of the most celebrated Military Commanders of his generation, extended “sincere commiserations” to the family of late Adekunle.
“The president joins them and other Nigerians in mourning the very courageous soldier who achieved national fame during the Nigerian civil war for his gallant leadership of the 3rd Marine Commandoes in the successful effort to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the country,” a statement by Reuben Abati, presidential spokesman, said.
“President Jonathan believes that General Adekunle’s civil war heroics, which made him easily one of the most celebrated military commanders of his generation, have ensured that he will always be honoured and remembered as a valiant soldier who served his fatherland exceptionally well at a very trying time in its history.”
Jonathan enjoined Adekunle’s family, friends, former military colleagues and all who mourn his passing to also give thanks to God for blessing the nation with fearless soldiers and patriots of his calibre who stand ready to lay down their lives for the peace, unity and progress of their country.
He also prayed that God Almighty should comfort the grieving family and associates of General Adekunle and grant his departed soul eternal rest.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also eulogised General Benjamin Adekunle saying his death has left a vacuum that is difficult to fill.
In a statement, Obasanjo said Adekunle’s contribution during the nation’s three-year civil war would be remembered for long a time.
Obasanjo described Adekunle as a friend, colleague and course mate, recalling that Adekunle achieved much while they were both undergoing a military training in Ghana.
“I can recall with profound memories what he was able to achieve as a course mate at Teshi, Accra Ghana,” Obasanjo said.
“His efforts would be forever remembered and May his soul rest in peace. I am very shocked about by this news today.
“His vacuum will be difficult to fill in the family, but, I pray for them to have the fortitude to bear this loss.”
On his part, Tinubu, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in a statement by his media office, that the death of the Adekunle, who he called a civil war hero, was a great loss.
The statement read: “the Generalissimo has fallen. The Great General Benjamin Adekunle (Rtd.) has left this world and his departure saddens me greatly.
“The civil war hero was a soldier’s soldier. He was a man of valour and unimaginable bravery. Lion-hearted and a leader of men. He served his Fatherland devotedly and without question when we most needed him.
“Like most great men, he was greatly misunderstood. His flamboyant and outspoken nature made him a colourful character. However, that never stopped him from emerging as one of the most remarkable icons in Nigeria’s military history.
“The ‘Black Scorpion’ was a man of uncommon intelligence and fierce determination. On the battle field, he had no equal. He represented the best generation of our military personnel. The ones who refused to back down from any enemy; who put their very existence on the line for our continued coexistence.
“Of all of Gen. Adekunle’s qualities, it is his loyalty to the flag that I most admire. He was a worthy ambassador of his people and a great example in service. He led from the front.
“Let it be said of Gen. Adekunle: “Here is a man who gave his country the best of his life.
“May his warrior soul find rest. And I pray his wife family find the fortitude to bare the irreparable loss.”
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun also mourned the demise of Adekunle.
He said the incident happened at a time the wisdom and knowledge of the likes of General Adekunle is needed to curb insurgency in the nation.
“This is so sad,” Amosun said.
“Black Scorpion, as he was fondly called, played a significant role in the unity and search for peace in our country as he fought gallantly in the Nigerian Civil War, principally to preserve its sanctity as a leader the 3rd Marine Commando.
“History has recorded him well. His name cannot be easily forgotten in the history of modern day Nigeria.”
Amosun commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, as well as his friends and associates, praying that almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
