— Declared omission painful

—He never Weavered despite intimidation

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Concerned Citizens of Ondo State Pro-Democracy Advocates Youths and Patriots of Nigeria, have  described the omission of the name of the late Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adebayo Adeferati, in the list of eminent Nigerians to be honoured post humorously by President Bola Tinubu, as painful.

In an open letter to President Tinubu,  Pius Ade Babaleye, a pro democracy advocate,  described the late governor, as “one of Nigeria’s finest statesmen and freedom fighters whose name is etched in gold in the struggle for democracy.

He lamented that the late governor was ” an omited hero of democracy.

The late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, was the governor of Ondo state between 1999 and 2003.

He said in the open letter that ” Chief Adefarati was not a bystander in the trenches of the pro-democracy movement.

“As a core NADECO leader, he stood firm against the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, advocating for civil rule and constitutional governance when it was dangerous to do so.

“He suffered intimidation, harassment, and threats, but never once wavered in his conviction that Nigeria deserved better.

“Beyond his NADECO legacy, as Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adefarati’s leadership left an indelible mark:

“He reintroduced free education and free medical care, two policies that transformed the lives of the poor and vulnerable;

Babaleye added that ” He established OSOPADEC (Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission), a model for regional development and resource management;

“He spearheaded the relocation and renaming of the state-owned university to Akungba-Akoko—now Adekunle Ajasin University—a move that revitalized education and development in the Akoko region.

“These achievements were not mere political gestures—they were enduring legacies built on his belief in human dignity, equity, and progress.

“Yet, during the recent roll call of June 12 heroes honoured by your esteemed office, his name was conspicuously missing.

“This omission, Mr. President, has sparked deep concern, especially in Ondo State and among those who cherish our nation’s democratic history.

” Social platforms, civil society groups, and political commentators have all echoed the same sentiment: Chief Adefarati deserves national honour.

“There is growing public perception that the June 12 Honours list may have overlooked some critical figures whose sacrifices were no less significant than those rightly honoured.

“The absence of names like Adefarati’s has fueled a call for a more inclusive review—one that does not let the passage of time erase the contributions of our unsung heroes.

“We respectfully urge Your Excellency, who yourself is a renowned hero of democracy and a former NADECO stalwart, to revisit this matter.

“The recognition of Chief Adefarati’s legacy is not just about Ondo State—it is about national justice, historical truth, and honouring a father and hero who gave everything for Nigeria’s democracy.

“Immortalizing Chief Adefarati, whether through posthumous national honours or through federal monuments in his name, will correct a painful oversight and send a powerful message—that Nigeria remembers, appreciates, and honours every hand that helped to shape her democratic journey.

Babaleye prayed that the tenure of the president will “continue to reflect the spirit of fairness and gratitude that you have long embodied.