Tribute To A Worthy Nationalist – Pa Adebanjo

Before I delve into my to­day’s topic, please per­mit me to congratulate my INDEFATIGABLE, WORKAHOLIC and VISIONARY leader, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, who just crossed the borderline of SEXAGENAR­IAN in good health and amazing vigour on the 18th of February, 2025.

His unwavering dedication to service, tireless work ethic, and visionary leadership have been truly inspirational. Congratula­tions and best wishes always to one of the best Governors in Ni­geria for the moment.

A New Abia has become POS­SIBLE…and may God Almighty continue to use you as the best attribute of GREATNESS in Ni­geria’s idealistic quest for a vi­sionary and selfless leadership enthronement and stewardship. Amen.

This piece will center around two fundamental pillars of exis­tence – BIRTH and DEATH, en­capsulating the essence of living a purposeful life and leaving be­hind a lasting legacy.

Both birth and death serve as poignant reminders that life is a transient journey, akin to a tem­porary transit camp. We must embrace this reality and refrain from perceiving our time on earth as an immortal or permanent abode. Instead, let us strive to live each day to the fullest, making meaningful contributions to hu­manity, and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo: A National Con­science Gone

An African proverb wisely states, “What an old man sees while sitting down, a young man cannot easily see even when standing on top of an Iroko tree.” This resonates deeply with a poignant quote from Pa Ayo Ade­banjo, whose insight holds a par­ticular relevance for Nigerians today. He stated: “If Nigerians elect Tinubu in the 2023 Presiden­tial election, they will suffer. At 94, I may not be alive to witness it. While you endure the conse­quences of voting for Tinubu, I will be resting peacefully in my grave.”

A prophetic insight into the ordeal of a society that never be­lieved an elderly foresight advise. Today, those words are realities, echoing the proverb, ‘when a fly refuses to stay clear of a burial ground, it will be buried with the corpse.’ This poignant saying re­flects the unfortunate situation in Nigeria, where the disregard for wise counsel has led to dire conse­quences. Pa Adebanjo, a respected elder and patriot, issued warnings before the 2023 presidential elec­tion, foreseeing the potential for turmoil and hardship. However, his words went unheeded, drowned out by the clamour for immediate gratification and political expedi­ency. Nigerians, blinded by short-term gains and swayed by empty promises, turned a deaf ear to the wisdom of their elders. The allure of quick money and the intoxicat­ing appeal of popularity overshad­owed the long-term well-being of the nation. This disregard for sage advice has paved the way for the rise of tyrannical policies, imple­mented with an alarming degree of impunity. The very fabric of Ni­gerian society is being eroded as the voices of reason are silenced and the principles of justice and fairness are trampled upon. What was once a nation brimming with promise and potential is now grap­pling with the harsh realities of its choices, a stark reminder of the price of ignoring the wisdom of experience. On the 14th of Febru­ary, 2025, a day typically associated with love and celebration, a som­ber cloud descended upon Nigeria as the news of Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s passing spread like wildfire. I was about to embark on my usu­al routine, grabbing lunch after exploring the aisles of Eke Amiyi Mini Supermarket in Isuikwuato, when a call from my friend, Austin, brought my world to a standstill. Initially, I brushed off his call, as­suming it was another lighthearted jab about my shopping escapades. Little did I know, a storm of grief was about to engulf me.

“DSM, the only surviving con­science in Nigeria is dead,” Aus­tin’s voice, heavy with sorrow, pierced through the phone. Con­fused, I struggled to comprehend the weight of his words. “DSM, did you hear me?” he repeated, his voice laced with urgency. “Yes, Austin, but I’m trying to understand what you mean,” I re­sponded, my mind racing to make sense of his cryptic message. It was then that he delivered the heart-wrenching news, “Pa Ade­banjo is dead. The great Iroko has fallen, and we are all now vulnerable to the tyrants in Nige­ria.” The news hit me like a ton of bricks. “It can’t be true. Papa can’t leave us this way,” I exclaimed, my voice cracking with disbelief. The phone slipped from my grasp as the weight of his words sunk in. “Are you sure that he’s gone… or just a social media hype… and…” I managed to mutter unbeliev­ably. “He’s gone…” Austin said soberly, and without any further words, I ended the call abruptly, desperate to grapple with the overwhelming surge of emotions. Despair washed over me, a wave of sadness I couldn’t contain. My hunger vanished, replaced by a hollow ache in my chest. I paid for my groceries mechanically, my mind a million miles away, and hopped on my bike, eager to escape the suffocating reality.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo was more than just a name; he was a bea­con of hope in a nation riddled with darkness. He was one of the few remaining pillars of integri­ty, a man who embodied the true spirit of Nigeria. His passing at the age of 96 marked the end of an era, leaving a void that would be impossible to fill.

Pa Adebanjo’s impact on my life was profound. He instilled in me the courage to speak truth to power, to challenge injustice wherever I saw it. He was a man of unwavering principles, never shying away from condemning the ills plaguing our nation. He was often labeled as ‘tribalistic’ for his staunch defense of the Yoruba people, but those who truly knew him understood that his fight was for the oppressed, re­gardless of their tribe or tongue.

A titan of integrity, Pa Ade­banjo’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history. He was a shining exam­ple of what it meant to be a true nationalist, a man who placed the interests of his nation above all else. His passing on Valen­tine’s Day, a day symbolic of love, seemed fitting, for his love for Nigeria was unwavering and absolute. We mourn the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a revered Afenifere Chieftain, whose life and legacy represent an enduring symbol of tradition, democracy, justice, and unwavering advocacy for the marginalized.

Born on April 10, 1928, Pa Ade­banjo’s life stands on a legacy of resilience and principled action amidst adversity. Pa Adebanjo’s contributions to Nigeria’s demo­cratic struggle are immeasurable. Recognizing the detrimental ef­fects of military rule on Nige­rian society and its potential to silence the voices of the people, he remained a staunch critic. He consistently challenged injus­tice, becoming a formidable force against oppressive regimes. A fer­vent advocate for democratic gov­ernance, he firmly believed in the power of the people to shape their own destiny. His courage and con­viction in the face of oppression served as an inspiration for many of us to join the fight for democra­cy, strengthening the movement for a better future for Nigeria. As part of NADECO, the Nation­al Democratic Coalition leader­ship, his guidance proved instru­mental in galvanizing opposition against military dictatorship, uniting diverse groups under the shared goal of democracy, and establishing a focal point for resistance against authoritarian rule. Baba, as I usually call you, you may have gone, but you have left an indelible mark on our na­tion, and your legacy of justice, equality, and unwavering patrio­tism will forever be remembered and championed. As we mourn this great man, may his memo­ry serve as a reflex reminder of life’s ephemeral nature, urging us to embrace the enduring moral principles. Let us remember that true fulfillment in life lies not in wealth, status, or power, but in the legacy we leave behind.

Pa Adebanjo’s life underscores the transient nature of the earth­ly possessions and positions.

Farewell, Pa Adebanjo. You were a mentor of extraordinary caliber. Be assured that those of us, who are fortunate enough to have learned from your exam­ple, will continue to champion the principles you held dear – defending democracy and fight­ing for social justice. This is our solemn promise to you. Rest in peace, Baba. Amen.

Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM), is an Author, Resource Personality, Management Consultant/Trainer, Chartered/Certified -Auditor/ Accountant, Financial Compliance Expert, Economic/Political Analyst Strategist, Marine Expert and Motivationist)