Kwara Government, Emirate, Unilorin VC Mourn General Adangba, Former COS to Obasanjo, Yar’Adua

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Kwara State Government has announced the passing of Major General Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed (rtd), former National Security Adviser to Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Chief of Staff to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umar Musa Yar’Adua. He died in the early hours of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Abuja, aged 86, after an illness related to old age.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the late General as a fine soldier, administrator, and community leader. The governor joined the family, friends, associates, and the people of Ilorin, Kwara, and Nigeria in mourning, noting that he was a distinguished commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army.

General Adangba previously served as Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State, Director General of the defunct National Security Organization (NSO), and held several senior national roles, including National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff to two former Presidents.

Governor AbdulRazaq described his death as a great loss to the Ilorin Emirate and the entire nation, calling it a painful end to a bright chapter in Nigeria’s political and military history. He extended condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the deceased’s family, and the military hierarchy, praying Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of General Adangba, describing him as a proud indigene of Ilorin Emirate and a patriotic Nigerian who served the country diligently in various capacities and uplifted the less privileged.

He noted that the late General used his position, influence, and resources to promote the heritage of the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large, describing him as a detribalised Nigerian whose contributions to national unity and development were boundless. The Emir prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and eternal rest for the deceased.

Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), mourned the late General, describing him as one of the founding fathers of the institution.

In a statement by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor said the University community received the news of his death with profound sadness, given his key role in its establishment and growth.

Prof. Egbewole recalled that the University’s first operational base was in a building owned by the late General in G.R.A., Ilorin, which served as both residence for its pioneer Vice Chancellor and the University’s interim office — a gesture that helped the institution take off successfully.

He further noted that General Adangba provided immense administrative support to the University, especially in the early 2000s when he served as Chief of Staff to President Obasanjo, ensuring academic stability during challenging times.

The Vice Chancellor lamented that his death came at a time the University was preparing for its Golden Jubilee, describing it as a great loss to both the institution and the nation.

He extended condolences to the Governor of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, and the Alfanla Adangba family, praying Allah to forgive the late elder statesman’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.