Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has described the death of a former Inspector-General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi, as a great loss to the government and the people of the state.
The governor lamented the death of the foremost police officer who made history as the youngest IGP ever in the country to take charge at the Kam Salem House.
Adewusi died late on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja. He was 79.
A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, recalled that the era of the late Adewusi as the nation’s number one cop was a defining moment that brought the best out of the officers and men of the police.
The governor prayed that God should grant the soul of the illustrious son of Ogbomoso eternal rest and to give the family; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, and the sons and daughters of the state the fortitude to bear the sad loss.
Describing the late Asiwaju of Ogbomoso as urbane and affectionate, the governor said that his simple lifestyle was a lesson in humility despite his accomplishments as a distinguished police officer.
Ajimobi said, “As a prominent chief in Ogbomoso land and venerated senior citizen of Oyo State, Chief Adewusi was always readily available to share his pool of experience garnered during his pristine public service with his community.
“He will be sorely missed because his wisdom and sound advice on issues of national interest have contributed to the peace and development of Oyo State since I became governor.
Ajimobi said, “I’m confident that the sublimity of his earthly sojourn, his affectionate love for mankind, his patriotic zeal and service to his fatherland, dedication to God and his quintessential lifestyle would make the heavenly to joyfully welcome him home.”
A former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, described the deceased as a dedicated and committed Nigerian.
“The Asiwaju of Ogbomoso, Chief Sunday Adewusi, is a father who, in no small way, contributed to my success in life.
“He is a rare officer and boss who served Nigerian police force gallantly. His contribution to the image of police is still a reference point up till today. He will be sorely missed by the police, Ogbomoso land, Oyo State and Nigeria in general,” Alao-Akala said.
Adewusi who is from Ogbomoso, Oyo State took over from Adamu Suleiman as IGP in 1981. He was however replaced in 1983 by Etim Inyang.
He was the ADC to the then governor-general, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Adewusi was born in Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to Pa Abraham Ishola Adewusi and Eyiolawi Abeje.
He made history when he was became the youngest commissioner of police at the age of 32. He rose to the position of the IG at the age of 45.
He was conferred with National Honours of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 1981 and Grand Commander of the order of the Niger (GCON) in 1999.
