* Benjamin Adekunle
By Pathfinder Reporter
Wednesday September 18, 2024
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The bravery and patriotism of a veteran Civil War hero and an eminent Ogbomoso-born Nigerian Army officer, late Brigadier-General Benjamin Maja Adekunle, otherwise known as Black Scorpion was again celebrated by the people of Ogbomoso in Oyo State.
This celebration to mark the 10th-anniversary remembrance of the veteran General was championed by the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare.
In a statement on Monday, the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland noted that the 10th anniversary remembrance of the veteran General is not just a celebration of his history, but a reflection of the bravery and patriotism of a man who risked his life on behalf of our country and citizens. Chief Sunday Dare acknowledged that: “As a General, he was first amongst equals, and we, as his people, are proud of the legacy that he left behind.”
Chief Sunday Dare explained that the sense of purpose and commitment to something greater than self is a cornerstone of a soldier’s life, which the late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle exemplified. He signposted a life of enduring symbol of bravery and compassion. He served Nigeria well.
“The story of the battle for Nigeria’s soul and eventual unity cannot be complete without a generous mention of late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, a.k.a Black Scorpion. He was a patriot who loved his country and gave his all. He revealed to the world that Ogbomoso’s sons and daughters were no bystanders or minions. But that Ogbomoso sons and daughters are brilliant and brave, courageous and compassionate, patriotic and powerful. And above all, that Ogbomoso is a land of warriors; ever ready to make necessary sacrifices for the unity of her people and her land”.
Furthermore, Chief Sunday Dare stated that “Late General Benjamin Adekunle has joined the league of Ogbomoso icons like the late Premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the late Soun Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III, the late Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala, the late Inspector General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi and many other heroes of democracy from Ogbomosoland who made priceless sacrifices for the unity and peace of Nigeria.
“For late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, no task was a burden and no sacrifice was too high: for he loved his people even as he understood that his call to duty carried a risk to his own life. He brought to life courage and patriotism that remains unequaled.
“Out of curiosity, I searched for the deeper meaning of a Scorpion. General Benjamin Adekunle was nicknamed the Black Scorpion largely due to his exploits as a soldier. I found out that Scorpions are symbols of protection, transformation, independence, solitude, and intelligence. In addition, Scorpions are also a symbol of death and rebirth, a symbol of power. We stop here. For us, the spirit of the Black Scorpion must rekindle in us the desire to lead. Not just in our land of Ogbomoso but in our Oyo State. Let Ogbomoso no longer play the second fiddle in Oyo State. Let Ogbomoso speak with one political voice. Let Adekunle’s spirit summon us all to a new cause in this dispensation. Let Ogbomoso regain its political and leadership ‘mojo’ and stand up to be counted in the contest for power that soon lies ahead. Let our ‘Adekunles’ not shy away from the contest ahead. Let them enter the ring. To advance the development of Ogbomoso and Oyo State. Then and only then, will the spirit of Benjamin Maja Adekunle rest in peace”.
Asiwaju niwa!
*Chief Sunday Akin Dare, CON, FNIS
Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland
Sarkin Wasanin of Daura
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