CNG mourns late Afenifere, PANDEF leaders

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) on Wednesday extended its deepest condolences to Afenifere socio-cultural organisation, the Yoruba nation and the entire Adebanjo family over the passing of an elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96.

Similarly, the coalition also mourned the loss of another elder statesman and towering figure in Nigeria, Pa Edwin Clark, leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who passed away at the age of 97.

In a statement by CNG’s national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a stalwart in Nigeria’s political and socio-cultural sphere who dedicated his life to the pursuit of equity, justice, and the advancement of the interests of his people within a united Nigeria.

“His unwavering commitment to those ideals, even in his final moments, serves as an enduring inspiration to all Nigerians of different ethnic stocks and nationalities,” the statement said.

Similarly, the coalition noted that Pa Edwin Clark was a leading voice in regional and national discourse, known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.

“He championed the cause of protecting the interest of his region and his people, which he did passionately within the country’s political and socio-economic challenges.

“Despite often taking different positions on national issues, the CNG recognizes both leaders as compatriots who stood firm for their respective peoples and strived tirelessly to protect their interests in Nigeria.

“As key members of Afenifere and PANDEF, Pa Adebanjo and Edwin Clark played pivotal roles in advocating for the rights and welfare of their people while contributing significantly to national discourse and the struggle for a better Nigeria,” the statement said.

It noted that their legacies would forever remain etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

“CNG therefore recognizes the profound loss this represents to the Yoruba nation, the Niger Delta and indeed, the entire country. We stand in solidarity with the families of both leaders during this difficult time and pray that the Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses while the souls of the two elder statesmen find eternal rest.

“May their legacies continue to inspire generations to come and may their visions for a just, equitable and prosperous Nigeria never be forgotten,” it concluded.