Why Tinubu must honour Adefarati, says activist
A pro-democracy advocates, Pius Ade Babaleye, has lamented the ommission of the name of a former Governor of Ondo State, Pa Adebayo Adeferati, in the list of eminent Nigerians to be honoured post humously by President Bola Tinubu.
Babaleye said the ommission of Pa Adefarati from the honour’s list was painful.
He said late Adefarati was a freedom fighter and a core member of NADECO whose name remained etched in gold in the struggle for democracy.
He said Chief Adefarati was not a bystander in the trenches of the pro-democracy movement.
In an open letter to President Tinubu, Babaleye stated that late Adefarati stood against military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, advocated for civil rule and constitutional governance when it was dangerous to do so.
According to him, “He suffered intimidation, harassment, and threats, but never once wavered in his conviction that Nigeria deserved better.
“Beyond his NADECO legacy, as Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adefarati’s leadership left an indelible mark:
“He reintroduced free education and free medical care, two policies that transformed the lives of the poor and vulnerable;
“He established OSOPADEC (Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission), a model for regional development and resource management;
“He spearheaded the relocation and renaming of the state-owned university to Akungba-Akoko—now Adekunle Ajasin University—a move that revitalized education and development in the Akoko region.
“These achievements were not mere political gestures—they were enduring legacies built on his belief in human dignity, equity, and progress.
“Yet, during the recent roll call of June 12 heroes honoured by your esteemed office, his name was conspicuously missing.
“This omission, Mr. President, has sparked deep concern, especially in Ondo State and among those who cherish our nation’s democratic history. Social platforms, civil society groups, and political commentators have all echoed the same sentiment: Chief Adefarati deserves national honour.
“There is growing public perception that the June 12 Honours list may have overlooked some critical figures whose sacrifices were no less significant than those rightly honoured. The absence of names like Adefarati’s has fueled a call for a more inclusive review—one that does not let the passage of time erase the contributions of our unsung heroes.
“We respectfully urge Your Excellency, who yourself is a renowned hero of democracy and a former NADECO stalwart, to revisit this matter. The recognition of Chief Adefarati’s legacy is not just about Ondo State—it is about national justice, historical truth, and honouring a father and hero who gave everything for Nigeria’s democracy.
“Immortalizing Chief Adefarati, whether through posthumous national honours or through federal monuments in his name, will correct a painful oversight and send a powerful message—that Nigeria remembers, appreciates, and honours every hand that helped to shape her democratic journey.”
