A Celebration Cut Short: When the Cheers Turned to Tears - Jimi-Bada Mourns the Fall of a Rescued Hero

 A Celebration Cut Short: When the Cheers Turned to Tears - Jimi-Bada Mourns the Fall of a Rescued Hero

By Oluwaseun Arewa

Tears After Thanksgiving… When the Miracle Became a Memorial. The Tragic Turn in Hon. Kongo’s Story Is Not Just a Loss, But a Wound That Leaves Ife in Deep Mourning

In a deeply emotional and sobering moment that has shaken the soul of the Ife community, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Osun State, Barrister Oluwole Jimi-Bada, has expressed profound sorrow and heartbreak over the sudden demise of Dr. Kunle Adeniji, affectionately known as Hon. Kongo, just days after his miraculous escape from the grip of kidnappers.

“This is beyond tragic,” Jimi-Bada began, his voice heavy with emotion. “It is not merely the loss of a political figure, it is the silencing of a voice that once echoed hope, resilience, and survival. We are devastated. As a people, we have been dealt a cruel blow.”

“Only a few days ago,” he recounted, “we rejoiced. We danced. We celebrated the mercy of God. We believed a new chapter had begun. But today, we mourn. And we mourn not with party affiliations, but with the rawness of shared grief that knows no political line. We mourn as Ife sons and daughters, bound by blood, history and a common identity.”

Jimi-Bada noted that the sudden transition of Hon. Kongo is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate. “He emerged from the shadow of death only to be called home by the Author of life. His release was our miracle; his death, our mystery.”

“In moments like these,” Jimi-Bada reflected, “we must find strength in unity and meaning in memory. Let us remember Hon. Kongo not just for how he died, but for how he lived, a man of courage, conviction and uncommon dedication to the people of Ife. His tenure as the Chairman of Ife Central Local Government under the banner of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was not without its marks. He served with heart, and he led with vision.”

He extended his deepest condolences to the Adeniji family, the people of Ife, and all who are left bereft by this tragic loss. “I pray that the God who allowed his release will now grant his soul eternal rest and grant the bereaved the fortitude to carry this heavy cross.”

Jimi-Bada also urged the community to honour Hon. Kongo’s memory by remaining united and steadfast in their commitment to the collective good. “Let his life and yes, even his death remind us that leadership is fleeting, but legacy endures. We may come from different political houses, but we all return to the same dust.”

As the curtain falls on the life of Hon. Kunle Adeniji, fondly known as Kongo, we are left with more than sorrow; we are left with the echo of a legacy too profound to be silenced by death. His was a life etched with resilience, interrupted by tragedy, yet dignified by service and sacrifice. 

Though his final chapter came too swiftly, its impact reverberates far beyond the moment. In his departure, we are reminded that mortality spares no triumph, but legacy endures when anchored in purpose. May his memory continue to summon our shared humanity, awaken a higher sense of duty in leadership and inspire generations to lead not only with power, but with compassion, conscience and courage.