They lied against Benjamin Adekunle because of envy – his CoS, Alabi Isama, urges his re-burial in Ogbomoso
Khaldi ABRAHAM
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Chief of Staff to late Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle when he was Commander of the 3rd Marine Commando Division during the Nigeria Civil War, retired Brigadier General Godwin Alabi-Isama, has said those jealous of the brilliance of the late Nigeria Civil War hero were behind his travails both in and outside the Nigerian Army.
Brigadier General Alabi-Isama, equally a hero of the bloody war, and who was obviously not happy with the way Adekunle was treated, said it is sad that Emeka Ojukwu who ignited the war that claimed over 2 million lives and losses of unquantifiable valuables was buried with full military honour while Adekunle that brought the the war to the end was deprived of his rights.
Also, Alabi-Isama, author of “The Tragedy of Victory: On-the-Spot Account of the Nigeria-Biafra War in the Atlantic Theatre,” deplored the burial of Adekunle outside his hometown, Ogbomoso, charging that a campaign be mounted to exhume his remains at Lagos, for re-burial in Ogbomoso.
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The octogenarian raised these points during the inaugural Benjamin Adekunle memorial lecture held at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Wednesday.
In his speech, entitled “A man who came to fulfill destiny,” the elder statesman 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 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 (I967-1969) 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 added, “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 authorities, he did not participate in the Nzeogwu coup of January 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.
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“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 Heroes’ 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.
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President of Ogbomoso Valiant Club (OVC), Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd), in his lecture entitled, “Military prowess 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 are encouraged by his prowess.
He identified such lessons as 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 Worldwide, Justice Afolabi Adeniran (rtd); Professor Adeshola Adepoju, Immediate past Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, FRIN, Ibadan; Dr Akin Onigbinde SAN; Hon Sunday Dare, ex-Sports Minister; and others in their separate remarks said they would consider the request of General Alabi Isama and ensure a proper honour for the late civil war hero.
Barrister Segun Adekunle, who gave the 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, representatives of clubs and associations in Ogbomoso, LAUTECH management led by its Vice Chancellor Professor Olatunde Kalilu, Hon Mulikat Akande Adeola among others.
Benjamin Adekunle a.k.a. Black Scorpion died on September 14, 2014, at the age of 78.
