2 fmr Nigerian leaders, 2 ex-milads pay tribute to Col. Adeniran as 'Brave, gallant officer'

2 fmr Nigerian leaders, 2 ex-milads pay tribute to Col. Adeniran as ‘Brave, gallant officer’

Femi OGUNLANA

Col Adeniran in old age

Late Col. Adegboyega Adeniran (rtd), has been described as a”true war hero,” who remarkably distinguished himself in the Nigeria’s Civil War of 1967 to 1970.

General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd), Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), both who are former Heads of State/President of Nigeria as well as Gen David Jemibewon (rtd), former military governor of Kwara state and Gen Oladayo Popoola, a former military governor of Oyo and Ogun states, were all unanimous in their praise of the former infantry officer (extracted from his funeral programme), who passed away on January 16, 2026 at the age of 85, and buried Friday May 29.

The Ogbomoso-born military officer who joined the army in 1961, played crucial role in the war to keep Nigeria one after the declaration of secession by the Eastern Region under then Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu.

In a tribute by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was Nigeria’s Head of State between 1976 and 1979, and President between 1999 and 2007, lamenting the death of Adeniran, affirmed he quite knew him.

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The Owu-born general described Adeniran as a man who displayed courage and brilliance as an officer.

“Adegboyega, who was well known to me and was a colleague in the Nigerian Army, was not just a soldier but a warrior of courage, a professional officer to the core, and a patriot who stood to be counted when the unity of Nigeria was put to test. During the Nigerian Civil War, he served under my Command with distinction. He was a disciplined officer who understood the dynamics of command and demonstrated unwavering commitment to the peace and stability of our dear nation.

“His exploits during the war were those of a true Marine Commando – gallant, professional, and unassuming. He served with honour and I would put him among the heroes of that unfortunate civil war.”

Likewise, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar (Head of State between 1998 and 1999), extolled his virtues, describing him as his first commander and a man of immense courage and discipline.

“The name Colonel Adegboyega Adeniran Rtd will forever be etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history. A gallant soldier, a visionary courage and a mentor of unmatched caliber, he exemplified the courage and resilience that define true heroes.

“During the Nigerian Civil War, he fought with extraordinary valor, leading his troops with tactical brilliance and unyielding resolve. His contributions on the battlefield were not merely acts of duty, they were acts of patriotism, safeguarding the unity and future of our nation. His courage continues to inspire generations of Nigerians and soldiers alike.

“As my first commander, he instilled in us the principles of discipline, honor, and integrity. He led not by fear but by example, teaching that leadership is measured not only in victories but in the lives one uplifts, the values one imparts, and the legacy one leaves behind.”

He noted Col. Adeniran served his nation with selflessness and was a man of high character.

“Colonel Adeniran’s life was a testament to selfless service. He was more than a soldier; he was a guardian of Nigeria’s ideals, a teacher of character, and a beacon of inspiration. Though he has passed from this world, his legacy endures a symbol of bravery, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the nation.

“Nigeria will remember him, history will honor him, and those who served under him will forever cherish the lessons of his leadership.

“Rest in peace, sir, Your service, your lessons, and your memory will never be forgotten.”

David Jemibewon, who disclosed he joined the army at about the same time as the late Col. Adeniran, stated, “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Colonel Adegboyega Adeniran (Rtd). He was not only a highly esteemed colleague in the Nigerian Army, but also a distinguished officer with whom I had the honour of serving our country during the Nigerian Civil War. We both joined the Army as young men, my service number being N/262 and his N/266 marking the beginning of a shared journey of duty and commitment.”

In his own tribute, Gen Popoola who is of Ogbomoso origin like Col. Adeniran, declared, “After my commission into the Nigerian Army in 1968, l learnt that Col Adeniran and Gen Adekunle were indigenes of Ogbomoso. All through my career, my path did not cross these senior officers’. Although I was hearing good news about them.

“In later years, I met them although they had already left the Nigerian Army. They both played prominent roles during the Nigerian civil war. We were all infantry officers during our career.

“Col Adeniran was a reliable officer in both uniform and out of uniform. He was very friendly and cared about people’s welfare.”

Chief Obasanjo as well as Abubakar further eulogized him for his community development services following retirement on February 1, 1971.

Obasanjo said, “However, it was his post-retirement life that truly defined his character. Returning home to Ogbomoso, Adegboyega did not rest. He took on the mantle of an educationist, founding the first private schools in his community to light the path of knowledge for the younger generation. As an agricultural entrepreneur, he contributed to food security, and as a community leader, he brought the same discipline and foresight from the barracks to foster development and peace in Ogbomoso.

“He was a man who served God and humanity with all his heart, mind, spirit and soul.

“His demise is a loss to the Nigerian Army, to Ogbomoso community, and to Nigeria. I extend my sincere condolences to the Adeniran family, the people of Ogbomoso, friends, loved ones and all his comrades-in-arms. Adieu, my dear comrade. Rest in the bosom of your Creator,” the man commonly called OBJ passionately asserted.

This part of him was also taken cognizance of by Jemibewon, “Following his retirement from the Army, Colonel Adeniran devoted wholeheartedly to the advancement of education, agriculture, and community development, endeavours for which we both shared a deep passion thereby leaving lasting and meaningful legacy.”