• Former acting leader, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have extended their condolences following the passing of Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, a prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere.
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Middle Belt Forum also expressed their sorrow over Adebanjo’s death in separate statements.
They all hailed Adebanjo as a champion of true federalism, justice, and equity, recognizing his tireless efforts for Nigeria’s unity and democratic integrity.
Adebanjo passed away at the age of 96 at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, on Friday.
In a condolence message released in Abuja on Saturday, Akpabio referred to Adebanjo’s passing as “the end of an era.”
He said the late elder statesman was a selfless patriot who dedicated his life to fighting for truth, equity, and justice in the country.
Akpabio said, “Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equity has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.”
Mbah, in a post on his verified X handle, @PNMbah, described the late nonogenerian as a courageous and principled leader.
He said, “He was a forthright, courageous, and principled leader, who spoke the truth without fear or favour. Always at the vanguard of equity and justice, Pa Adebanjo stoutly defended what he believed to be true, right, and just.
“He was a soldier of democracy. Whether it was in the days of Pa Obafemi Awolowo or during the military era and the struggle for democracy under the auspices of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, he was fearless in the trenches, fighting for democracy and the blessings it promises.”
Ooni Ogunwusi, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, in Osogbo on Saturday, said Adebanjo was more than a political figure.
The royal father also said the deceased was a guardian of Yoruba ideals, a relentless advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism upon which Nigeria was envisioned.
The statement partly read, “Pa Ayo Adebanjo was more than a political figure; he was a guardian of Yoruba ideals, a relentless advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism upon which Nigeria was envisioned.
“Throughout his life, he remained unwavering in his commitment to the principles of Afenifere, the revered Yoruba socio-political movement. His voice, always firm and unrelenting, was a moral compass for generations of leaders and followers alike.
“He lived and fought for democracy, justice, and the welfare of the common man, standing tall even in the face of opposition.”
Describing Adebanjo as an icon of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, an advocate of justice, and a pillar of progressive politics, Fayemi said the late Afenifere leader was a true icon of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Fayemi said, “He was an unwavering advocate of justice, and a pillar of progressive politics in Nigeria. Baba was more than a political leader; he was a moral compass who never wavered in his convictions.
“As a committed nationalist and a leading voice in Afenifere, he stood for fairness, justice, and the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure a more equitable society. His principled courage, wisdom, and steadfastness in speaking truth to power made him an enduring figure in our national political landscape.”
Similarly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a condolence message signed by its President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, on Saturday, described Adebanjo as a “detribalised Nigerian, outstanding elder statesman, distinguished patriot, nationalist, bridge builder, and foremost leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere.”
The pro-Igbo socio-cultural group said Adebanjo’s exit had engendered deep pain, grief, and mourning among his family, loved ones, and numerous admirers.
Ohanaeze said, “Ndigbo, Nigerians, and posterity at large will forever cherish Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s enduring legacies and undoubted commitment to truth and social justice.
“His initiatives and robust contributions in the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, a body in which he was a founding member and which he equally utilized in his advocacy for fairness and good governance, will remain evergreen in our individual and collective memories.”
The Igbo group said its chieftains saw Adebanjo as “a caring bosom friend, beloved brother, a father, and a staunch ally for the unity and oneness of Nigeria, where justice, fairness, and equity are paramount.”
“As we mourn the sorrowful exit of this archetype of integrity and good conscience, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, we pray that God Almighty may grant your entire family the courage to bear this irreversible departure. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace!,” Ohanaeze added.
The MBF also expressed deep sorrow over the leader’s death in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Luka Binniyat.
The MBF described Adebanjo as an exceptional statesman and an unwavering leader whose public service and personal philosophy were rooted in justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
“Chief Adebanjo was a remarkable leader who consistently championed progressive values throughout his political journey,” it stated.
Also speaking, Chairman, Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Waheed Lawal, noted that Adebanjo stood as a sentinel of democracy, a guardian of federalism, and a tireless advocate for social equity.
He said, “He navigated the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics with grace and courage, never wavering in his commitment to the ideals he held dear.
“His voice, clear and unwavering, echoed the aspirations of the marginalised, the oppressed, and all those who yearned for a just and equitable society. He was a fearless leader, unafraid to speak truth to power, even when it meant standing alone.”
