Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the nation lost a rare gem with the death of retired Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle on Saturday in Lagos at the age of 78.
Obasanjo stated this in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday.
The statement recalled Adekunle’s role during Nigeria’s civil war of 1967 to 1970, adding that his contributions in ending the war would forever be remembered.
Obasanjo said: “I received with shock the news of the death of my colleague, friend and course mate, Benjamin Adekunle.
“Today, I can recall with fond memories our relationship as course mates and what he was able to achieve at Teshi in Accra, Ghana.
“I also recall that he made no mean contributions in ending the Nigeria civil war.
“His efforts will forever be remembered and I pray for the repose of his soul.
“I am very shocked by this news today.”
In the statement, Obasanjo, who condoled with the family of the deceased, prayed that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
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