Sunday, September 14, 2014

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adekunle, the Black Scorpion, Dies at 78

The ‘civil war’ veteran, popularly known as the ‘Black Scorpion,’ Brig.-Gen Benjamin Adekunle (rtd.) died on Saturday morning in Lagos at the age of 78, according to his wife, Folake.

Adekunle, an active player in the Nigerian Civil War, who was compulsorily retired from the Nigerian Army in 1974, was the first to lead the famous 3rd Marine Commando during the war between the Nigerian Government and the self-declared Republic of Biafra. The civil war that lasted three year, started in July 1967 and which the military unit eventually spearheaded its end in January 1970.


Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians eulogized Adekunle, the Ogbomosho born:

President Jonathan Commiserates with the Family of Benjamin Adekunle
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the family of late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle who passed away earlier today.

Adekunle will always be remembered as one of the most celebrated military commanders of his generation.

The President joins them 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.

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. The condole message delivered through the Presidential Special Adviser on media and publicity, Reuben Abati.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
A former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who succeeeded Adekunle in the Marine Commando, expressed shock at the death of the civil war hero.

In a statement made available to one of our correspondents in Abeokuta on Saturday, Obasanjo said the contribution of the late Adekunle during the country’s civil war would be remembered “for so long a time.”

He said, “I received with shock the news of the death of my colleague, friend and course mate, Gen. Benjamin Adekunle today.

“I can recall with fond memories what he was able to achieve as a course mate at Teshi, Accra Ghana.

“He made great contributions to the Nigerian civil war. His efforts would be forever remembered and may his soul rest in peace. I am very shocked about this news today.”

APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu
Also, a former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, said, “His departure saddens me greatly.”

In his tribute entitled ‘General Benjamin Adekunle: The Generalissimo Has Fallen,’ Tinubu described Adekunle as “a soldier’s soldier, a man of valour and unimaginable bravery, lion-hearted and a leader of men.”

Tinubu said, “Like most great men, he was greatly misunderstood. His flamboyant and outspoken nature made him a colourful character. However, that never stopped him from emerging as one of the most remarkable icons in Nigeria’s military history.

“The ‘Black Scorpion’ was a man of uncommon intelligence and fierce determination. On the battle field, he had no equal. He represented the best generation of our military personnel. The ones who refused to back down from any enemy; who put their very existence on the line for our continued coexistence.”

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State described Adekunle’s death as a monumental loss to the country.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said he was “extremely saddened” by the news of his death.

He said, “Gen. Adekunle served the Nigerian Army with all his might and he was equally celebrated but he never compromised on the need to end the agonising civil war and bring peace back to the country.”

Similarly, a former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, described Adekunle as “the greatest, the most courageous, the most disciplined and the most effective general in the history of the Nigerian Army.”

Governor Amosun of Ogun State
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has mourned the demise of one of the Nation’s gallant military officers, Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle, describing him as a civil war hero.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said he was greatly saddened by the news of the death of the war veteran.

He said the incident happened at a time the wisdom and knowledge of the likes of General Adekunle is needed to curb the unfortunate acts of insurgents in the nation.

“This is so sad. Black Scorpion, as he was fondly called, played a significant role in the unity and search for peace in our country as he fought gallantly in the Nigerian Civil War, principally to preserve its sanctity as a leader the 3rd Marine Commando.

“History has recorded him well. His name cannot be easily forgotten in the history of modern day Nigeria,” the governor said.

Amosun commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, as well as his friends and associates, praying that almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

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