President Bola Tinubu, his predecessor, ex President Muhammadu Buhari and former Nigeria’s Vice President Atiku Abubakar have expressed grief over the death of the chieftain of Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. He died today, Friday, February 14 at the age of 96.
In a message of condolence from him personally, President Tinubu said that he received the news of the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow.
He said that with the death of Adebanjo, Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
“His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed. As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse. Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life—96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.
“Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.
“A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
“In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.
“His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.
“Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.”
President Tinubu extended his condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
Also, ex President Buhari described late Pa Adebanjo as “one of the nation’s most notable leaders,” saying that his death was a loss for the nation.
“The late Chief Adebanjo was one of those rare politicians who straddled the worlds of the legal profession, politics, and socio-cultural activism.”
The former President prayed for the repose of his soul and for fortitude to his family, admirers, and the government and people of Ogun State to bear the loss.
This is even as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described late Afenifere leader as a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.
Atiku recalled the heroic role that Pa Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria.
“He was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship.
“It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.
“I wish to state without equivocation that Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.
“Apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists across different generations, Pa Adebanjo was an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches
“Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists, who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.
“He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction.”
Atiku extended his condolences to the Adebanjo family and asked them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch who they mourn was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race.
“I also commiserate with the people and government of Ogun State.”
