Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, along with former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Donald Duke, ex-CDS General Lucky Irabor, and senior military generals, both serving and retired, paid glowing tributes on Wednesday night to the late Major General Chris Jemitola (Rtd.), former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).
This is just as Oyinlola disclosed that he regretted being the one who broke the news of the death of the late senior officer to former President Obasanjo because “Baba cried when I broke the news to him.
“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.”
It would be recalled that Gen 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-ADC was a loyal and committed officer whose work ethic was second to none.
Represented at the well-attended Service of Songs by ex-governor of Cross River State Donald Duke, Ibadanjo expressed heartache and grief over the sudden death of Jemitola, saying Jemitola’s dedication to duty was exemplary.
Former CDS Gen Lucky Irabor said Jemitola was a man of character and action, a fearless officer, a dependable adviser, and a hard-working patriot who contributed immensely to the military profession and the advancement of the Nigerian state.
Irabor, who said Jemitola was the Commander Guards Brigade Signals and he, Irabor, and his 2i/c in the late 90s and early 2000s when both of them served at Guards Brigade under General Madaki, 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.
On his part, former governor of Osun State Brigadier-General Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd) narrated how he broke the news of Jemitola’s demise to ex-president Obasanjo.
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 the former 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, the weather is clear. He is in a good mood; you can push anything through, and 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, pointing out 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, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola (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, Babalola said for him to have served with President Obasanjo 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.
Major Gen Aniborisha of the 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 Gbum said Jemitola was a pillar of strength and hope to many and added that he was a philanthropist per excellence.
A former Guards Brigade Commander and GOC 3 Division, Major General JOS Oshanupin, said Jemitola, as ADC, was the brain behind the policy when Obasanjo approved car loans for all officers of the military and for cycle loans for the rank and file.
“Together with Obasanjo’s Chief of Staff, Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), we succeeded in getting Mr President to extend the initial policy which was meant for only Guards Brigade to the entire military. This was because Jemitola had a large and accommodating heart.”
