Obasanjo, Irabor, Ex-governors, Top Generals Pay Tribute to Late General Jemitola

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, ex-governors, and top military generals, both serving and retired, yesterday paid glowing tribute to the former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), late Major General Chris Jemitola (Rtd.).

Jemitola slumped and died while playing golf at the IBB Golf Club in Asokoro on February 6.

Paying tribute to the late general, Obasanjo said his ex-aide-de-camp was a loyal and committed officer whose work ethics were second to none.

Obasanjo was represented at the well-attended Service of Songs by ex-governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke.

He expressed grief over the sudden death of Jemitola, saying Jemitola’s dedication to duty was exemplary.

The former CDS, Irabor, said Jemitola was a man of character and action, a fearless officer, dependable adviser, and hardworking patriot who contributed immensely to the military profession and the advancement of the Nigerian state.

Irabor said the late general was the brain behind his modest achievements in the military, especially as CDS. “He is always happy and ready to advise and guide you on the path to success whenever you call upon him,” Irabor said.

In his tribute, the ex-governor of Osun State, Brigadier-General Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd), narrated how he broke the news of Jemitola’s demise to ex-president Obasanjo. “I spoke to him in Yoruba, and he shouted on the phone, ‘My ADC?’ I said yes, Sir, and baba started crying. I felt sober that it was me who broke the news to him. I was later told that he remained in a very bad mood for the rest of the day.”

Oyinlola said, “My relationship with Jemitola was that of fellow officers in the service of our country. He was an officer who taught me when to push my words to Mr. President. Baba is always in a swing mood; I will get to Jemitola’s office and ask him how the weather is today? He will tell me, ‘Yes, he is in a good mood; you can push anything through,’ then I will go in. When it is the other way round, he will tell me to go and come back.”

He said Jemitola was an excellent officer who served this nation very well.

The late general’s brother, Segun Jemitola, said the news of his death was shocking, stressing that nothing can be more devastating. He recalled a letter his brother wrote him while on a peacekeeping mission in Liberia and Sierra Leone, detailing how heart-wrenching it was to confront child soldiers in order to restore peace and normalcy in the then war-torn countries.

A friend and schoolmate at Barewa College, Dr. Charles, described Jemitola as a man of purpose who knew what he wanted in life and worked hard to achieve it.

“He was a vocal voice and not given to frivolities,” Charles said.

Speaking on behalf of the 29th Regular Course, Major General Henry Babaloa (rtd) described the late general as an articulate, quiet, and focused officer who never allowed his vision to be derailed.

Noting that Jemitola stood out among his colleagues, Babaloa said for him to have served with the president for four years was not a tea party. “He was a philanthropist who served the country and humanity quietly, making great and remarkable contributions,” Babaloa said.

Retired Pronto Veteran Association Signal Corps said they had lost one of their best, who was a shining example for others. Speaking on behalf of IBB Golf Club, Air Vice Marshal Ggbum said Jemitola was a pillar of strength and hope to many, and added that he was a philanthropist per excellence.