The nation is in mourning following the passing of Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, a revered leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere. Prominent figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Olusegun Obasanjo, and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have paid their respects to the late elder statesman, acknowledging his profound contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and governance.
Adebanjo, a vocal advocate of true federalism and restructuring, passed away at the age of 96 at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State. His family confirmed his demise in a statement made available to Hobnob News on Friday.
A Life Dedicated to Democracy and Justice
President Bola Tinubu, in a heartfelt statement, described Adebanjo as a political icon and freedom fighter, whose relentless struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
“Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity shaped the trajectory of our nation,” Tinubu stated. He further acknowledged Adebanjo’s role in resisting military dictatorship and galvanizing movements that ultimately restored democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure,” Tinubu added.
Obasanjo, Buhari, and Others Mourn a True Nationalist
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed deep sorrow over Adebanjo’s passing, describing him as a nationalist, a committed leader, and a man of unshakable principles.
“Looking back, Chief Adebanjo had a highly successful career with selfless service rendered to his community, state, and the nation. As a founding member of the Action Group party, he was a foremost nationalist and patriot, committed to public service not for personal gain but for the betterment of society,” Obasanjo said.
He lamented that despite Adebanjo’s lifelong struggle for restructuring, his dream of a reformed Nigeria remained unfulfilled. “It is unfortunate that his dream to see this through couldn’t be actualized in his lifetime. Indeed, Chief Adebanjo’s contributions to strengthening our fledgling democracy will be missed by the entire nation.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, through his spokesman Garba Shehu, described Adebanjo as one of those rare politicians who successfully balanced his roles as a lawyer, politician, and socio-cultural activist.
“Late Chief Adebanjo was one of those rare politicians who straddled the worlds of the legal profession, politics, and socio-cultural activism. His contributions to national development and his unwavering stand for democracy will always be remembered,” Buhari stated.
Peter Obi: Adebanjo Was a Pillar of the Struggle for a New Nigeria
Labour Party’s Peter Obi described Adebanjo’s passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria, emphasizing that he was a pillar in the struggle for justice, equity, and truth.
“His death is a profound loss to Nigeria and to all who cherish justice, equity, and truth. As the leader of Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo remained a steadfast advocate for a united and progressive Nigeria,” Obi said.
Obi also appreciated Adebanjo for endorsing his presidential campaign, noting that the endorsement was not just political but a demonstration of Adebanjo’s deep commitment to equity and inclusiveness.
Southwest Governors and Afenifere Leaders Pay Homage
Several Southwest governors also mourned the loss of the revered Afenifere leader. Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described him as a man of principle and a promoter of peace.
“Throughout his lifetime, Pa Adebanjo demonstrated an unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and equality in Nigeria,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.
Governor Abiodun emphasized Adebanjo’s role in Nigeria’s history, stating, “He was one of the few Nigerians whose life embodied the story of Nigeria, from the struggle for independence to post-independence eras, military rule, and the return to democracy.”
Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, recognized Adebanjo as an unwavering disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose convictions and political stance remained firm and exemplary.
Makinde and Fasoranti: The End of an Era
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, likened Adebanjo’s death to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree, describing it as the end of an era.
The current leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, shared his grief, calling Adebanjo his brother and political associate for over 70 years.
“Chief Adebanjo was a patriot par excellence. His role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence and the restoration of democracy will remain in the annals of our nation’s history. He was a strong advocate for progressive politics, good governance, and the rule of law,” Fasoranti said.
He noted that Adebanjo’s lifelong call for the restructuring of Nigeria was born out of the conviction that a truly federal Nigeria, where justice and fairness are supreme, would ensure national stability and prosperity.
A Monumental Loss to the Yoruba Nation and Nigeria
Other Yoruba leaders, including the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and Joe Okei-Odumakin, the widow of the late Afenifere spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin, also expressed their grief.
Adams described Adebanjo as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation, calling him an “Iroko” whose voice remained prominent across Nigeria.
Okei-Odumakin stated, “His absence will be deeply felt, not just within the Yoruba nation, but across Nigeria and beyond.”
Legacy of a True Federalist
Pa Ayodele Adebanjo’s political journey was one of commitment, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of justice and equity. As a disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he championed progressive politics and stood against policies that threatened national unity.
Though he did not witness the full realization of his vision for a restructured Nigeria, his contributions to democracy, governance, and national unity will forever remain a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
As Nigeria mourns the passing of this great statesman, his ideals and values will continue to shape the struggle for a more just, inclusive, and truly federal Nigeria.
