Nigerians Mourn Afenifere Leader, Ayo Adebanjo

Prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, Lagos State governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, among others, have mourned the death of late Afenifere Leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

President Tinubu expressed sadness that Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades-long struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity has left an indelible mark on our country’s history.

Tinubu stated that everyone who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and valued the democratic ideals he tirelessly advocated for.

Tinubu described the late Adebanjo as principled, a sentiment that echoed throughout decades of political activism.

He stated that he will be deeply missed. “As a nation, we will miss his regular contributions to national affairs, which enriched our political discourse. Though we mourn his passing, we thank God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, and purposeful life—96 years of tireless advocacy for progress and equity.”

According to Tinubu, Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, was among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who laid the groundwork for our country. Former President Jonathan expressed sadness over the death of the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa. Ayodele Adebanjo.

Jonathan described the late elder statesman as a symbol of courage and resilience, stating that Chief Adebanjo was a national hero and crusader for justice who fought for a better society until his death.

Governor Makinde compared the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation Afenifere, to the fall of a massive Iroko tree in the forest.

Makinde, who described Pa Adebanjo’s death as the end of an era, praised him as a great nationalist, federalist, patriot, and true democrat who worked tirelessly to make Nigeria a better country.

Governor Makinde described Adebanjo as a father to all and extended his condolences to the late Afenifere leader’s immediate family, the Afenifere, the government and people of Ogun State, and the entire South-West people. In an Abuja statement, former Vice President Atiku said, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost elder statesman and one of our country’s few remaining nationalists.

The late Afenifere leader was a formidable force who fought tirelessly for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.”

Atiku recalled Pa Adebanjo’s heroic role in seizing power from the military and establishing democratic governance in Nigeria.

He claimed Adebanjo was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship. “It is well documented that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youth fighting colonial rule, his middle age fighting military dictatorship, and his later years ensuring that good governance, the rule of law, and democracy took root in Nigeria. I wish to state unequivocally that Pa Adebanjo was a shining example of how to live and die for the betterment of the country.”

Atiku described Pa Adebanjo as an extraordinary activist and bridge builder who led the fight against injustice and oppression from the trenches, in addition to mentoring many generations of civil rights activists.

“Undoubtedly, Adebanjo’s life and times continue to serve as a valuable resource for current and aspiring activists who advocate for good governance to learn from and emulate. He taught us how to be distinguished statesmen. “My heartfelt condolences go to the Adebanjo family.

I advise them to find comfort in the fact that the patriarch they mourned was a father to the entire country and a source of pride for the Black race. “I also sympathise with the people and government of Ogun State,” Atiku stated.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, recalled the last piece of advice he received from Pa Ayo Adebanjo, 96, whose death was announced in the early hours of today.

Obi expressed condolences on his X handle, saying the late leader of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, urged him not to deviate from the path of truth.

He said the late elder statesman emphasised justice and equity, adding, “My family and the Obedient Movement received shocking news of the death of our dear father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who was a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and the Afenifere organisation. His death is a profound loss for Nigeria and all those who value justice, equity, and truth. As the leader of Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo remained a staunch supporter of a united and progressive Nigeria.

His unwavering dedication to justice and relentless pursuit of a better nation have left an indelible mark on our country’s history.

“One thing my political journey has taught me, for which I am eternally grateful to God, is that it has brought me into contact with a few great minds who have helped shape my perception of this country as a great one.

“One such individual is Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the quintessential Afenifere leader. I am eternally grateful for his support during my presidential campaign.

His endorsement was more than just a political gesture; it demonstrated his belief in the ideals of equity and inclusiveness. Despite all odds, he remained steadfast in his convictions, demonstrating his commitment to Nigeria’s greater good.

According to Obi, Pa Adebanjo advised him to “always stand on the path of justice, which is still a guiding principle in my life, and I reaffirm my commitment to upholding it in his memory.

“During my time with Pa Adebanjo, I learnt to value Nelson Mandela’s words, “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”

“As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate a life well lived in service to humanity and pledge to uphold the values he so passionately advocated.

“Let his death not be in vain. Instead, let it serve as a renewed call to action for everyone who values justice and fairness.

As we express our condolences to his immediate family and the Afenifere organisation, may we find solace in the lasting impact of his extraordinary life.” Obi concluded.

Pa Fasoranti, the leader of another faction of Afenifere, described the late Pa Ade Anjou as a patriot par excellence.

He said he was shocked and saddened to learn of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo’s death, describing him as “my brother, comrade-in-arms, and political associate for upwards of 70 years.

A patriot par excellence, his contributions to the struggle for Nigerian independence, as well as the restoration and maintenance of democracy in Nigeria, will be indelible in the annals of Nigerian history.

He was a relentless ideologue who fought for many noble causes while serving as Acting Leader of Afenifere.

Members of the Afenifere family will deeply miss this fallen hero.

Chief Adebanjo embodied the positive values that define Nigerian progressive politics.”

Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, expressed shock on Friday at the death of its leader, Ayo Adebanjo.

Mr Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Adebanjo died on Friday morning.

Ajayi stated: “We were shocked to learn of Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo’s passing into glory. He lived to the ripe old age of 96, but given his contributions to Nigeria, Yoruba land, and, of course, our organisation, Afenifere, he will be sorely missed.

“We appreciate his contributions, mourn his passing, and pray for his soul to rest in peace.

Yes, he will be remembered as an outstanding individual. He was extremely patriotic and committed.

Adebanjo gave his all to whatever cause he believed in.” In response to the death of the leader of Afenifere, the Lagos House of Assembly described the late Chief Adebanjo as “a thoroughbred Awoist, a progressive politician, and a patriotic Nigerian.”

The Assembly recognised the late Awoist’s contributions to the Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He lived a fulfilling life and will be greatly missed by the political class for his involvement in many progressive interventions. “It is unfortunate that one of Afenifere’s leaders, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a staunch Awoist and progressive politician, passed away today.

His life was dedicated to the Yoruba people and humanity as a whole. “We will miss him, especially his wise counsel on current national issues and comments on matters affecting the Yoruba race. So, on behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, RT Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, I commiserate with the Afenifere as a group, the Adebanjo family, and progressives across the country on the unfortunate incident of Chief Adebanjo’s passing.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) national chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and National Leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the entire people of the South-South geopolitical zone, we are profoundly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a legendary icon and elder statesman who dedicated an extraordinary 96 years to activism, championing justice, equality, and freedom for the Nig “The news of his death has left us in deep sorrow as we struggle to come to terms with the loss of this distinguished lawyer, politician, and statesman,” PANDEF says.

He played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history, even before it gained independence.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Pa Adebanjo was a staunch supporter of democratic governance, human rights, and social justice.

His relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria inspired future generations to strive for excellence and hold their leaders accountable.

His contributions to the country’s independence struggle, his influence on the Action Group and Afenifere, and his unwavering support for the marginalised and oppressed will be remembered in perpetuity.

The news, confirmed by a family statement, has sent shockwaves throughout the country, prompting a flood of grief and tributes from political leaders, community figures, and ordinary citizens.

Pa Adebanjo, as he was affectionately known, was more than just a politician; he represented a steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and a truly independent Nigeria.

His life encompassed pivotal moments in the country’s history, from pre-independence nationalist struggles to the current challenges of nation-building.

Adebanjo was born in 1928 and spent his early years involved in Nigeria’s burgeoning nationalist movement.

His legal background, which demonstrated his sharp intellect, provided the foundation for his political career. His participation in the Action Group (AG), where he served as Organising Secretary, cemented his place at the forefront of Nigeria’s struggle for self-government.

The AG, a major player in pre-independence politics, pushed for regional autonomy and a federal system that recognised the country’s diverse ethnic and cultural makeup.

This belief in federalism remained central to Adebanjo’s political philosophy throughout his life. His subsequent membership in Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, solidified his position as a staunch advocate for the Yoruba people’s rights and interests, as well as those of the rest of Nigeria.

Within Afenifere, he consistently advocated for a system based on inclusivity, regional autonomy, and subnational resource management.

He was a vocal critic of policies he saw as undermining the principles of true federalism, frequently engaging in heated debates and advocating for structural reforms to Nigeria’s political landscape.

Beyond his political activism, Pa Adebanjo was revered for his unwavering moral compass. He was a man of impeccable character, known for his honesty and integrity, even when expressing opinions that went against conventional wisdom.

His commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice, as expressed poignantly in the family’s announcement, resonated with many Nigerians, who saw him as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resistance to oppression and injustice.

According to the family statement, plans for an appropriate funeral are already underway, with consultations with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups in Nigeria and around the world.

A condolence book is open at both his Lagos residence (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The legacy of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo extends far beyond his political accomplishments. He leaves an indelible mark on Nigerian political discourse, a legacy built on principled activism, unwavering commitment to his beliefs, and an unending fight for a more just and equitable Nigeria.

His death represents the end of an era, but his ideas and ideals will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerian patriots.

The nation takes a moment to remember a life well lived and a voice that will be sorely missed.