Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged the Federal Government to accord more posthumous recognition to the slain Governor of the old Western Region, Col. Adekunle Fajuyi.
The governor said the late military governor paid the price that held the country together till date.
Dr Fayemi spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Fajuyi Memorial Park.
The governor noted that if Fajuyi had not sacrificed himself during the mutiny in his domain, there could have been ethnic distrust, which might have torn the nation apart.
The late Head of State, Lt.-General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Ibo, was assassinated in the defunct Western Region when he visited Fajuyi.
Dr Fayemi said Fajuyi had the choice of abandoning his boss and visitor but showed courage, hospitality and honesty.
According him, Fajuyi courageously chose to die with Aguiyi-Ironsi and protected Nigeria’s unity.
Dr Fayemi stressed that the Federal Government had not done enough to honour the late Fajuyi.
He said: “If there was one Nigerian who demonstrated valour, courage and commitment for this country, it was Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi. He had, in doing that, demonstrated what it means to be an Ekiti man – always standing by the truth and protecting the people who we see as our own. That’s why we are hospitable people.
“Remember, Fajuyi was receiving the visiting head of state when that tragic incident occurred. He could have disappeared, but he stayed with the head of state and insisted that he had a duty to protect him.
“If he could not protect him, his own life should be sacrificed for the country to be protected.
“We haven’t done enough to honour Fajuyi. And now that the nation is having its centenary celebration, it is proper for Nigerians to honour the man who made us to remain one till today.”
Dr Fayemi said the Remembrance Day celebration is a sober reflection in honour of fallen heroes who made huge sacrifices to protect the nation.
The governor warned against pushing the nation towards a conflict, saying progress and development would only thrive when peace and security are allowed to reign.
Col. Seidu Aduku of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State, said some state governments were meeting the needs of the families of the fallen heroes.
He said this would encourage patriotism among the members of the Armed Forces.
Dr Fayemi; Col. Aduku; Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama; state Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Augustine Obiekwe; state Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Major Sunday Akintade (rtd) and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.
Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu; House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Adetunji Orisalade; members of the State Executive Council (Exco) and well wishers attended the ceremony.
Source: The Nation
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