MBF mourns Afenifere leader Pa Adebanjo

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has joined other Nigerians to mourn the passing away of the leader of the pan-Yoruba sociocultural organization, Afenifere.

A statement by the Spokesman of MBF, Mr. Luka Binniyat said, “The President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the revered leader of Afenifere—the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, which he co-founded.

“On behalf of the people of the Middle Belt, Dr. Pogu extends his heartfelt condolences to Chief Adebanjo’s immediate family, the Yoruba nation, and the entire country.

“Pa Adebanjo was an exceptional statesman and an unwavering leader whose public service and personal philosophy were rooted in justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

“I recall how, in 2023, he firmly advocated that the Igbo deserved the presidency, even when a Yoruba candidate was in the race,” Dr. Pogu noted.

“In every meeting of the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMLF), Pa Adebanjo brought his wisdom and decades of experience to bear. His absence will be deeply felt,” he added.

“Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s political journey was marked by remarkable consistency in his ideology and principles, always championing progressive values.

“His demise at the age of 96 comes after a lifetime of contributions to the Nigerian state, spanning from the pre-independence era to the 21st century.

“Dr. Pogu highlighted that Pa Adebanjo played a crucial role in Nigeria’s development, taking great personal risks for the country’s progress.

“Unlike many of his contemporaries who shifted allegiances or compromise their ideals over time, Adebanjo remained steadfast in his principles, even in the face of adversity and intimidation.

“The story of Nigeria’s journey cannot be told without mentioning Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

“On behalf of the Middle Belt Forum, I extend my deepest condolences to all who cherished his ideals. I pray for the repose of his soul and ask the Almighty to comfort his family, the Yoruba nation, and Nigeria as a whole,” the statement said