Immortalize Adebanjo, Senate tells FG

The Senate Thursday urged the federal government to immortalize late Chicf Samucl Ayodele Adebanjo by naming a national monument after him following his pivotal role in the development of Nigeria.

It also resolved to send a high-powered delegation to condole with his family, the good people of Ijebuland and the Ogun State government just as it observed a minute silence in his honour.

Resolutions of the Senate were sequel to a motion titled, “The Demise of Chief Samuel Ayedele Adebanjo (1929-2025), OFR: A Pillar of Democracy, A Guardian of Equity,, A Bridge to Nigena’s Conscience”

The motion was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East ) and Co- sponsored by 21 other Senators.

In his presentation, Senator Daniel said the late Adebanjo was an icon, leader and a conscience of the Nigerian nation born in Isanta, a village near Ijebu Ode, Ogun East Senatorial District of Ogun State, South-West Nigeria, on Apri 10, 1928.

He added that the elderstatesman was a Journalist before studying law in the United Kingdom. After completing his studies, he was called to the English Bar in 1961.”

Biographically, he said eider statesman began his political journey in 1943 as a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe before joining the Action Group in 1951 where he became a mentee and political disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“Recalls that the late Afenifere leader over the decades, had remained steadfast in the struggle for democracy, standing at the forefront of progressive politics, unwavering in his convictions, and unapologetic in his pursuit of justice and equitv. He was a man who spoke truth to power, not out of defiance, but out of duty to the ideals of fairness, good governance, and the well-being of the people.;

“Further Recalls that Pa Adebanjo who was survived by his 94-vear-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebampo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was not just a man, but an institution. His life was a long, unbroken testament to resilience, integritv, and an unwavering belief in the power of justice;

“Convinced that his departure is not just a loss to the Yoruba nation but to Nigeria as a whole”, he said.

Seconding the motion, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, APC, Oyo North described the late Elderstatesman as very principled, always fighting for justice, just as he recalled his struggles for democracy, adding, ” he has played his role and gone. May the Lord forgive his shortcomings.”

On his part, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa West
said, ” I condole with the family of our departed leader. I condole with the people of Ogun State and the people of Ijebuland, my maternal hone. One of our titans, an unapologetic leader, one of the finest democrat has departed Nigeria. May be with time we will know why Edwin Clark died few hours.

“We can spend the entirety of today talking about Adebanjo who used his time to fight for an egalitarian Nigerian”

In his contribution, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonire, APC, Ondo Central described him as a great democrat, worthy of the honour that will be bestowed upon him, saying he was a man of conviction.

On his part, Senator Yunus Akintunde, APC, Oyo Central said, “a very strong member of Afenifere. He commended affection and loyalty. A statesman. I support the prayer as moved.”

Also in his contribution, Senator Tahir Monguno, APC, Borno North said, “we remember his role in Jube 12 pan niger9an mandate. I was among the few parliamentarians that stood with Pa Adebanjo for the restoration of that mandate. Even after our dissolution by the junta, the struggle was sustained through the platform of NADECO which he was a member. It is against this background that we celebrate the life and times of this great man. He has c9me to this world, he has served humanity and now resting in the bossom of His Lord.”

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio said, “He is one of those that Nigerian history can’t be complete without mentinonh him. He contributed his quota and we thank God for his life. I join all of us to say that may his soul rest in peace and God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”