BENJAMIN ADEKUNLE, MONUMENTAL TRIBUTE TO A WAR HERO

When the news of the demise of Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle was announced, those who knew how he fought gallantly during the Nigeria Civil War that threatened the unity of the nation remembered his heroism salute his courage.

Gen Adekunle affectionately called Black Scorpio as a result of his exploits during the war, did everything possible to keep Nigeria one, which then was task ahead the nation.

Adekunle was one of the most accomplished strategist and celebrated hero of the Nigerian Civil War. He will be remembered as a valiant soldier who served his fatherland exceptionally well at a very trying time in its history. As expected, tributes in form of economics and eulogies came in honour of the brilliant officer.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in his tribute called him one of the celebrated military commanders of his generation whose contribution during the civil war would never be forgotten in a hurry.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was Adekunle cotemporary in the Army, described him as a friend, colleague and course mate whose role towards the success of the war was no mean effort. The retired General who succeeded Adekunle at the 3^rd marine commandoes during the war recalled that both of them trained together as young soldiers in Ghana.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu presented the late General as a man of valor and unimaginable bravery, lion hearted and a leader of men. The former Lagos State Governor further said that Adekunle, like most great men was often misunderstood because of his flamboyant and outspoken nature that made him a colourful character which did not stop him from emerging as one of the most remarkable Icons in Nigeria military history.

Tinubu appreciates him more for sometimes putting his existence on the line for the country’s continuing existence.

Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade III Soun of Ogbomosho, Adekunle’s country home described Adekunle as a tirelessly and vigorously to ensure the unity of the country. The revered monarch further said that the brave soldier and dogged fighter who held the traditional title of Ashipa of Ogbomosho would forever be remembered them and indeed Nigerians for his uncompromising love for his fatherland.

The Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola in commiserating with the Adekunle family said, Adekunle death has closed a long chapter in the history of the nation as it relates to the Nigeria civil war. He recollected how Adekunle played a crucial role in the civil war that almost liquidated the Nigeria nationhood. Aregbesola noted that inspite of his misconception by many, he would be recognized as one who played a vital role in making sure Nigeria remained a united nation.

He stressed that further the history of independent Nigeria and the crises that threatened the young nation’s existence then will be incomplete without the name of this courageous soldier.

The Senate President, David Mark, also a retired Army Brigadier General recalled how the late General, played significant role while leading the third Marine Commando Division of the Nigerian Army during the civil war with such great panache, determination and precision. He described him as a success in all ramifications of his military career.

Senator Mark concluded by asking the Oyo State and the Federal Government to immortalize the late General as this will serve as a morale booster to other generation of Armed forces men in their service to the nation.

While these econoniums and eulogies were pouring in to honour the late Lion hearted General, his mourn people back home at Ogbomosho were registering their disappointment on the inability of successive government to recognize him as deserved during his life time.

They lamented the omission of his name from national merits awards of the country and regretted that despite his selfless service to the country, he was never accorded any honour let alone appreciated for his unprecedented gallantry. If the government of the day heed to this advice Adekunle will fall into the list of Nigeria celebrated after death.

The late Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle was born in 1936 in Kaduna to late Pa Thomas Adekunle his Ogbomosho father. His mother was from Bachama (in Anambra State).

He attended the Dekina Primary School in Kwara State for his elementary education and received his Secondary education at Okene Middle School before enlisting into the Army in 1957 when the Nigerian Army was still in its infancy and was commanded by the colonial officers.

He received his basic training as a Cadet Officer in Nigeria and Ghana before proceeding to Mons Officers cadet School in U.K. His Nigerian comptemporaries at the overseas training include retired Generals Chukuka, Idiaja Nnadi, Obasanjo and Adegoke. His success at the course led to his selection for advance training at Sandhurst Military College in U.K. He ended his military training with further courses at school of Infantry at Warminister and school of Tactical Training Wing both in the U.K.

On return to Nigeria, he served at the Queen Own Nigerian Regiment, based in Enugu during when he was appointed Platoon Commander of “C” company under the command of then Major Ogundipe. He was later seconded to serve in the Republic of Congo under the auspices of the United Nations to Quall the growing unrest in that African Country. He was recalled to Nigeria to serve as first Army Officer, Aide -De-Camp to Sir Francis Ibiam the first Governor of the Eastern Region.

He left to attend the staff officer course at the state college in Wellington, India some of his course mates were Major Ifeajuna, Nzeogwu and Olutoye. His arrival back in Nigeria had him posted to the Army Headquarters where he remained till 1966 coup led by Major C.K. Nzogwu after which he served at the war front during the civil war that followed.

He was retired unceremoniously from the Army he served deligently when it matters most not long after the war was concluded. He was since not been landing his voice on the affairs of the nation before his protracted illness that led to his death. As a gallant soldier who fought relentlessly for the unity of Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.

Even in death, Adekunle remains the most acknowledge and applauded hero of Nigerian civil war.

He knew where he was going early in life to accomplish his goals. He was an authentic hero, perhaps as entertaining as and unorthodox as MacArthur, a great officer, a brilliant soldier and highly cultured man.