Kinsmen want better recognition for Fajuyi

THE Federal and Ekiti State governments have been called upon to give better recognition to the late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, former military governor of the defunct Western Region, who was killed in a military coup in July 1966.
Fajuyi’s kinsmen at the weekend said the recognition became imperative because he laid down his life for the unity of Nigeria.
Speaking at a forum to announce the plan to host the maiden edition of the Adekunle Fajuyi Festival in
Ado-Ekiti, the people, including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, opined that Fajuyi exemplified courage, peace, patriotism and loyalty to one’s fatherland.
Oba Adejugbe, in a message to the gathering, said Fajuyi, who hailed from Ado-Ekiti, was synonymous with the unity of Nigeria, adding that some of the virtues shown by the late military officer were lacking in most Nigerians today, hence the parlous state of things in the country.

The monarch said despite having the opportunity of saving his own life when coup plotters were only interested in killing the then Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi, who was a visitor of Fajuyi, the former military governor, refused to throw Ironsi out to be killed like an unwanted dog.
The Chairman of Ado Local Council Area, Mr. Tope Olanipekun, said the council would always support any effort at making the place of Fajuyi to be remembered for life in the history of Nigeria.
He said there was an urgent need to accord Fajuyi better recognition and imbibe his great virtues.
The festival director, Mr. Femi Alufa, said the event had become necessary so that the legacies of the departed military officer would not be forgotten.
“The yearly festival will be the ultimate honour to celebrate the universal value of peace, patriotism, selfless leadership and courage, which Fajuyi symbolised and to teach these lessons in service to humanity,” he said.
He said the event, which will come up in July this year, would feature international peace conference, culture and art exhibition, peace concerts, rallies, among others.
In his remarks, Fajuyi’s son, Donald, prayed that the sacrifice his father made in keeping Nigeria one would not be in vain.
He appealed to governments and corporate bodies to support the initiative, saying Nigeria’s heroes should not be confined to a corner in the history of the country.