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By Oluseye Ojo; Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Idu Jude, Abuja; and Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Eminent Nigerians and prominent ethnic nationalities on Friday paid glowing tributes to the memory of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, national leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, who died in the early hours of yesterday.
President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, his counterpart in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi; as well as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; are among dignitaries that have condoled with the bereaved family, Afenifere, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
Ethnic nationalities, including the Afenifere, and the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo; as well as the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), have also mourned the demise of Adebanjo.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, said the departed elder statesman was like a father to him. He described Adebanjo as a man with unwavering commitment to justice and national unity. He extended condolences to the deceased’s family, Afenifere members, South West governors – past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
Reflecting on Adebanjo’s legacy, Tinubu praised his courage during critical moments in Nigeria’s history, particularly his role in the fight against military dictatorship following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
Tinubu also acknowledged Adebanjo’s influence on his (Tinubu’s) own political journey, recalling how he supported his candidacy for Lagos State governor in 1999 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.
Also Buhari, in a statement by his media aide, Shehu Garba, described Adebanjo’s death as a significant loss for the nation, and highlighted his unique contributions that bridged law, politics, and social activism. He stated further that “the late Chief Adebanjo was one of those rare politicians who straddled the worlds of the legal profession, politics, and socio-cultural activism.”
In his tribute, former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
In a heartfelt condolence message on Friday, Senator Kalu described Pa Adebanjo as a patriotic leader, a strong advocate for democracy, and a symbol of national unity.
Kalu, the Senate Committee Chairman on Privatization and South East Development Commission who represents Abia North Senatorial District, acknowledged the late statesman’s lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and good governance, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development would remain indelible.
“The passing of elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo is a great loss to Nigeria. He was a fearless leader who stood for truth and fairness at all times. His wisdom, courage, and commitment to national unity will be greatly missed,” Kalu stated.
The Senator extended his condolences to the Adebanjo family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, and all Nigerians who were touched by the late leader’s legacy. He prayed for strength for the bereaved and for the peaceful repose of Pa Adebanjo’s soul.
Governor Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, likened the death of Adebanjo to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree in the forest. He added that it was the end of an era, and commended him for being a great nationalist, federalist, patriot, true democrat and father of all.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement on Friday, described the passing of Adebanjo as the end of a glorious era. Adebanjo, he added, was a man of principle and one of the most prominent and unwavering disciples of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who to all intents and purposes represented the finest of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.” adding that his “ideals will never be forgotten. It does not matter where you stand in the political terrain: Adebanjo was a man whose integrity you could not question…”
Gani Adams, in a statement he signed personally, described the death of Adebanjo as a monumental loss, saying the Yoruba leader was an Iroko, whose voice remained prominent across Nigeria.
Peter Obi, in a condolence message through his X handle, recalled Adebanjo’s last words to him: “The last time I spoke with him, his words left a lasting impression: ‘Always stand on the path of justice. I remain deeply grateful for his support during my presidential campaign.”
Leader of Afenifere. Pa Reuben Fasoranti, also said on the demise of Adebanjo: “It is with great shock and sorrow that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms and political associate for upwards of 70 years. A patriot par excellence, his contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria shall remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.”
National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechukwu Ezechi, in a statement, said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide received with profound sorrow the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who, not only as an accomplished statesman, has also over the years been an ally of Ndigbo and the defender of just Igbo causes.”
Similarly, the Secretary-General of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), Chief Abia Onyike, described Adebanjo as a major figure in Nigeria’s independence struggle and a man who never wavered in his convictions.
he Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI) has described the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a detribalised Nigerian.
A press statement signed by the President of the group, Ide Goddy Uwazurike, noted that the late elder statesman was an astute politician, an articulate parliamentarian, and a philanthropist par excellence. A man of peace, vigor and essence of the political school of thought of the legendary and erudite politician, Pa Obafemi Awolowo of the Action Group class of political egalitarianism, equity, justice and good conscience.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived out these noble virtues in his private and public life leading to his remaining a political activist as a nonagenarian and astute voice against nepotism, tribalism, cronyism and the decent to the rise of mediocre as national and political party leaders.
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