JAMES KWEN, Abuja, GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos TOPE FAYEHUN, Akure, ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan, FEMI OYEWESO, Abeokuta
Elder statesman and factional leader of the Yoruba Socio -cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, died yesterday at the age of 96.
Pa Adebanjo died yesterday morning at his residence in Lekki area of Lagos State.
The family confirmed the death in a statement made available to journalists yesterday, saying he died peacefully.
The distinguished lawyer, politician and apostle of true federalism was a former organising secretary of the Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere. He is survived by his 94 year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family in the statement added, “We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.
“The family is consulting with papa’s friends, associates, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond to fine-tune plans for a befitting funeral details which will be communicated in due course.”
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death.
In a statement, he said, “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.”
Highlighting his extensive political journey, Tinubu stated, “As a lawyer, statesman, and politician, Adebanjo stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independence heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.”
He further emphasised Adebanjo’s pivotal roles, from serving as the Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, also paid glowing tributes to Chief Adebanjo, describing him as a committed nationalist with an effective representation of his people “and an unpretentious personality”.
Obasanjo said he received the “sad news” of the death of of Pa Adebanjo “with deep sense of personal loss” even while in a faraway Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, “where I am currently attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly”.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Chief Ayo Adebanjo as a fearless freedom fighter, adding that he was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.
Atiku said the foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity and an egalitarian society.
The former vice president in a statement to mourn Adebanjo’s demise, recalled the heroic role the late elder statesman played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, likened the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree in the forest.
Makinde, who described Pa Adebanjo’s death as the end of an era, commended him for being a great nationalist, federalist, patriot and true democrat, who gave his all for Nigeria to be a better country.
Makinde expressed condolences to the immediate family of the late Afenifere leader, the Afenifere, the Government and people of Ogun State and the entire South-West people.
Also, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association (YYSA) has mourned the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
The association’s national president, Olalekan Hammed noted that Pa Adebanjo was a pro-democracy activist whose impact could never be forgotten.
Ondo State governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the late Afenifere leader and statesman dedicated his life to serving the people.
Ayedatiwa in his condolence message made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend in Akure said,” Pa Adebanjo demonstrated unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, justice, and equality in Nigeria.”
Factional Secretary General of the pan Yoruba Socio-political group, Afenifere ,Chief Olusola Ebiseni, on Friday disclosed that Chief Ayo Adebanjo predicted his death 10 years ago.
Ebiseni who is the Secretary General of the faction loyal to Pa. Adebanjo, disclosed this in a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Friday to formally announce the death of the elder statesman.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, also described the death as “the end of an era.”
Abbas said Adebanjo would be remembered as an elder statesman and a foremost nationalist who fought for justice, unity, and equity among the religious and ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
