The family of the late Brigadier General a renowned figure in Nigeria’s military history, Benjamin Adekunle, has urged the government to honour his legacy for his pivotal role in the country’s unity during the Nigerian Civil War.
According to The PUNCH, Adekunle, often referred to by his famous moniker, “Black Scorpion,” was a key military leader from Ogbomoso in Oyo State, who trained at the prestigious Sandhurst Military Academy in the UK.
He passed away nearly a decade ago, but his family and admirers believe his contributions to the nation’s history are yet to receive the recognition they deserve.
During a Golf Kitty event organized by the family in his honour at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, Adekunle’s eldest daughter, Busola Olagunju, called for formal acknowledgment of her father’s legacy.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Olagunju emphasized the enduring impact of her father’s dedication to Nigeria, especially his leadership during the civil war when he led military efforts to reclaim the Delta and riverine regions from the Biafran forces.
“My late father was a patriot who loved his country and sacrificed everything he had for its unity. He was a good father, and we still miss him to this day,” Olagunju expressed.
When asked how she envisioned him being immortalized, she suggested, “The same way they have honoured other patriots and nationalists by naming notable monuments, institutions, roads, etc., after them. It would be fitting for people to remember that such a patriotic person existed.”
Olagunju further conveyed her hope that with time, the oversight regarding her father’s contributions would be corrected, saying, “I believe that, in time, some of the past oversights will be corrected. We are hopeful that in the future, more recognition will be accorded to him for his achievements and contributions to Nigeria.”
Brigadier General Samuel Ladipo, another speaker at the event, highlighted the significance of the family’s efforts in organizing the event, noting that it was the first step toward a larger national recognition for Adekunle.
Ladipo said, “I am happy that the family has organised this event because, for a long time, ‘Black Scorpion’ has not received the recognition he deserves. Charity begins at home, and now that Black Scorpion is being recognised in Ogbomoso, I believe Nigeria will soon give him the honour he is due.”
Ladipo pointed out that while Adekunle’s role in the Nigerian Civil War was well-documented, there were still no major landmarks or military establishments named after him.
“He was one of the heroes of the Nigerian Civil War, and this is well-documented. However, there are hardly any monuments, roads, or military installations named after him. Now that Ogbomoso has started recognising its own, I suggest we name a major road after him. Nothing can be too much to immortalise him,” he added.
Retired Federal Civil Service Permanent Secretary, Olusegun Adekunle, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism that the process of immortalizing Adekunle was in progress.
“I believe the process is underway. There is no time God cannot touch the heart of a leader to remind them of someone who deserves to be honoured. It happened in the Bible, and I am certain it will also happen in our lifetime,” he remarked.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from golfers representing various clubs, including the IBB Golf Club in Abuja, Tiger Golf Club in Ibadan, and Ilorin Golf Club.
Captain of the Ogbomoso Recreation Club Golf Section, Aderibigbe Adeyinka, announced that the competition was fierce, and prizes would be awarded to the top players.
The event not only served as a tribute to the late General Adekunle but also brought together members of the community and beyond, united in their call for his legacy to be preserved for future generations.
