Jonathan, Ajimobi mourn late Benjamin Adekunle

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has extended “sincere commiserations” to the family of Civil War hero, Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, who died in Lagos on Saturday at 78.

Special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said in a statement that the president joined the Adekunle family and other Nigerians in mourning the very courageous soldier who achieved national fame during the Nigerian civil war for his gallant leadership of the 3rd Marine Commandoes in the successful effort to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

“President Jonathan believes that General Adekunle’s civil war heroics, which made him easily one of the most celebrated military commanders of his generation, have ensured that he will always be honoured and remembered as a valiant soldier who served his fatherland exceptionally well at a very trying time in its history,” the statement read.

“As the ‘Black Scorpion’s’ soul returns to the almighty creator, President Jonathan enjoins his family, friends, former military colleagues and all who mourn his passing to also give thanks to God for blessing the nation with fearless soldiers and patriots of his calibre who stand ready to lay down their lives for the peace, unity and progress of their country.

“President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will comfort the grieving family and associates of General Adekunle and grant his departed soul eternal rest.”

Also, governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late brigadier-general, describing the passing away of the civil war hero as a monumental loss to the country.

The governor, who spoke via a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday by his special adviser on media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, expressed “extreme sadness” by the news of Adekunle’s death.

“Although Gen. Adekunle had for some time now been facing some health challenges, his death at this material time when the country is passing through difficult times, in terms of security and national cohesion, is tragic and shocking,” Ajimobi said.

He described the late general as a fine officer-gentleman, a nationalist and patriotic Nigerian who exploited his military expertise to rescue Nigeria from the brink of precipice and ensured that the country remained one indivisible entity.

“Gen. Adekunle served the Nigerian army with all his might and he was equally celebrated but never compromised on the need to end the agonizing civil war and bring peace back to the country.

“Since death is an inevitable end for all mortals, the late Gen. Adekunle should, therefore, be celebrated for his nationalistic posturing rather than being mourned. That Nigeria still remains one today is a pointer to the fact that Black Scorpion lived a fulfilled life.”