By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
He was never the loudest voice in the room, but AbdulRauf Adekunle Adeniji, affectionately known as Kongo, always managed to make the room listen.
From academic hallways to political strategy rooms, from the dusty community roads of Ife to the polished floors of the APC National Secretariat, Kongo moved with quiet intensity and unmistakable purpose.
Until, tragically, Nigeria’s worsening security crisis caught up with him, claiming his life.
What should have been just another evening in the capital turned into a nightmare, as the seasoned administrator and politician was abducted from his Abuja residence, along with some family members. For days, hope hung by a thread.
However, on Thursday, that hope turned to heartbreak as it was confirmed that Kongo had been killed by his captors.
Adeniji, a native of Ile-Ife, Osun State, was widely respected for his exceptional organisational skills and unwavering dedication to the party’s ideals. Notably, he had served as a member of the O’School Board during Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration and as Director General of the Alhaji Moshood Adeoti Gubernatorial Campaign Committee in 2018.
Until his untimely death, Adeniji was a seasoned administrator with a PhD in Public Administration. He had previously served with distinction as an Assistant Registrar at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
His transition into politics saw him elected Chairman of Ife Central Local Government, where he championed inclusive governance and earned the respect of constituents across political lines.
In August 2024, Adekunle was appointed Director of Administration in the APC National Secretariat.
The appointment was confirmed in a letter issued by the party’s National Secretary, following the resignation of the former Director of Administration, Prof. Alaba Adediwura.
In response to the death of the party’s Director of Administration, the APC National Secretariat announced its closure, as announced by the Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagba Abel.
The memo, titled ‘Secretariat Closure for the Mourning of the Director of Administration’, advised staff to use the period for reflection and prayers for the family and loved ones.
“The National Secretary has approved the closure of the National Secretariat from all party/work activities with immediate effect until Monday 14th April 2025,” the memo stated.
“This decision follows the receipt of the sad news of the demise of the Director of Administration, the late Hon. AbdulRauf Adekunle Adeniji.”
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the APC’s Director of Administration, AbdulRauf Adeniji.
In a condolence message issued by his Media and Communications Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola celebrated the late Adeniji as a seasoned administrator, a loyal and committed party stalwart.
“The late Adeniji was a true progressive—upright, loyal, and committed to his party. He served the APC and the people of Ife Central Local Government with unmatched dedication and sincerity,” Oyetola remarked.
He noted that Adeniji, who held a PhD in Public Administration, had previously served as an Assistant Registrar at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
According to the Minister, Adeniji’s entry into politics saw him elected Chairman of Ife Central Local Government Area, where he championed inclusive governance and earned the respect of his constituents.
“This is a tragic and painful loss, not only to his immediate family but also to our party, our state, and the nation at large,” Oyetola continued.
“Dr. Adeniji was a brilliant mind, a bridge builder, and a grassroots mobiliser. His contributions to governance and party administration will never be forgotten. His death, in such a cruel and unfortunate manner, is heartbreaking.”
Oyetola offered heartfelt condolences to Adeniji’s family, the APC community, and the people of Ife, praying that God forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest, and offering prayers for the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Similarly, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed his sympathy with the family of the late National Director of Administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Rauf Adekunle Adeniji (Kongo), who passed away recently.
Governor Adeleke conveyed his deep sorrow over the void that Adeniji’s loss represents for the state and Nigeria as a whole. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the Ooni of Ife and the people of Ile-Ife, who had lost one of their illustrious sons.
In his condolence message, Governor Adeleke prayed to God Almighty to grant Adeniji’s soul eternal rest.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Dr. Rauf Adekunle Adeniji (Kongo) and offer my sincere condolences to his family, the Ooni of Ife, and the people of Ife, who have lost one of their brightest stars. Additionally, I extend my sympathy to the APC family on this painful loss,” Governor Adeleke said.
“When news of his return first surfaced, I thought the worst had passed, but it was shocking to later learn of his eventual passing. His departure was too sudden, and devastating. I join all who have been touched by this loss in mourning the death of our departed brother.”
Governor Adeleke expressed his hope that Adeniji’s legacy would provide strength to those mourning his loss, and prayed for the peaceful rest of his soul with the Creator.
The Ife Development Board also expressed profound sadness over the loss of Adeniji.
In a statement, the Board, like his family, friends, and associates, had hoped with silent prayers that “our dear compatriot would regain his freedom and return to us after his harrowing experience at the hands of his abductors. But alas, we were met with the heartbreaking news of his death today. This is truly a dark day for our community.”
The Board declared a three-day mourning period to honour Adeniji’s remarkable contributions to Ife, and announced the suspension of all activities during that time.
“As we mourn this shocking and heartbreaking loss, we remember his legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to community and national development. As a founding member of the National Ife Descendants Students Association in the 1980s, he played a pivotal role in establishing this organisation, which has since become a cornerstone of our community’s development,” the statement continued.
The Board went on to detail Adeniji’s public service, noting his leadership as Chairman of Ife Central Local Government, where he earned the respect and admiration of his community, and his most recent role as the Director of Administration of the APC, before his tragic death.
“The abduction and eventual death of such a highly regarded official within the ruling party is a sad commentary on the safety of ordinary Nigerians. It underscores the urgent need for the government to reassess its fight against kidnappers, bandits, and other terrorists,” the Board stated.
The Ife Development Board demanded that those responsible for Adeniji’s abduction and death be brought to justice and face the full consequences of their actions.