Adebayo Adefarati: A Valentine’s man, a legacy of peace and service

BY SOLA OJEWUSI

In the annals of Nigerian history, certain leaders stand out not just for their governance but for the deep impact they leave on the people they serve. One such leader was Chief Adebayo Adefarati, the former Governor of Ondo State. A man of peace, a selfless leader, and a rare breed of politician who placed the welfare of his people above all else, Adefarati was not just a politician—he was a statesman.

Born on February 14, 1931, Chief Adefarati was, fittingly, a Valentine’s Man, a leader whose love for his people was unwavering, and whose commitment to the ideals of justice, equity, and good governance set him apart in the turbulent world of Nigerian politics. As we remember him today, on what would have been his 94th birthday, we reflect on a life well spent in the service of humanity—a life that continues to inspire generations in Ondo State and beyond.

A Life Dedicated to the People

Chief Adebayo Adefarati’s journey to political prominence was one marked by resilience, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in the power of good governance. He began his career as a teacher, shaping young minds with knowledge, discipline, and a sense of purpose. But his vision extended beyond the four walls of a classroom; he yearned to serve his people in a greater capacity.

His political ideology was shaped by the progressive ideals of the Action Group (AG) and later the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), where he worked closely with the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Like Awolowo, Adefarati saw politics as a tool for societal transformation. His belief in free education, rural development, and infrastructural growth became the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.

Governor of the People (1999 – 2003)

When democracy was restored in Nigeria in 1999, Chief Adebayo Adefarati emerged as the Governor of Ondo State, flying the flag of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). In an era where democracy was still finding its footing after years of military rule, Adefarati brought stability, progress, and a renewed sense of hope to the people of Ondo State.

His tenure was marked by bold infrastructural projects, investments in education, and policies that prioritized the welfare of the masses. He was passionate about rural development, ensuring that villages and towns that had long been neglected received government attention. Under his leadership, roads were constructed, schools were revived, and healthcare facilities were improved.

He was particularly devoted to youth empowerment and education, understanding that the future of any society depends on the quality of education it provides. His administration revived schools, provided scholarships, and ensured that teachers were well-remunerated to encourage dedication to service.

Adefarati’s governance was devoid of personal aggrandizement—he neither enriched himself nor sought political power for its own sake. His singular motivation was the progress and prosperity of Ondo State.

A Man of Peace in an Era of Political Turbulence

In a political climate often marked by bitterness and acrimony, Chief Adefarati was a man of peace. He was not given to political vendettas or unnecessary conflicts. Instead, he focused on fostering unity among his people and ensuring that political disagreements never degenerated into chaos.

Even when he faced opposition, he handled it with dignity and patience, believing that the true test of leadership was not in winning battles but in winning hearts. His ability to unite people from different backgrounds and ideologies made him one of the most respected leaders in the South-West.

Unlike many politicians who saw public office as an opportunity for personal gain, Adefarati remained humble, disciplined, and content with serving his people. His legacy is one of honesty, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to the public good.

A Legacy That Still Lingers

Though Chief Adebayo Adefarati left this world in 2007, his legacy remains alive. The foundations he laid in education, rural development, and governance continue to benefit the people of Ondo State. His tenure as governor remains a benchmark for selfless leadership, a reminder that politics can be a noble calling when undertaken with sincerity and devotion.

His name is still spoken with reverence in Ondo State, not just because he was a governor but because he was a father figure to many. To this day, his works speak for him—the schools, roads, policies, and the countless lives he touched.

A Valentine’s Man, A Love for the People

Born on Valentine’s Day, Chief Adebayo Adefarati truly embodied the spirit of love, sacrifice, and selflessness. If St. Valentine is remembered for his acts of kindness and commitment to humanity, then Adefarati is a political parallel—a leader who loved his people deeply, served them faithfully, and left behind a legacy of goodwill.

Today, we celebrate not just his memory but his ideals, which continue to guide new generations of leaders.

A Poem for Chief Adebayo Adefarati

O Valentine’s Man, leader so true,
With love for the people in all that you do.
You built the roads, the schools, the land,
With wisdom, justice, and a guiding hand.

A heart of peace, a soul so kind,
A visionary with a noble mind.
You gave your all, your wealth, your time,
For Ondo’s glory, a legacy prime.

Though time has passed, your light still glows,
In every town where progress flows.
A Valentine’s gift, a leader rare,
Forever loved, beyond compare.

As we mark what would have been his 94th birthday, we say: Rest on, great leader, your legacy is eternal!