Ayo Adebanjo’s death on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria and the Yoruba nation. A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a symbol of unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, justice, and federalism, Pa Adebanjo was a beacon of integrity, courage, and selflessness.
Born on April 10, 1928, in Ijebu Ogbu Oke, Ogun State, Pa Adebanjo’s journey was one marked by his commitment to the pursuit of justice for the Nigerian people. His early years saw him influenced by the ideals of Nigeria’s independence struggle, first as a Zikist in 1943, then later as a disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His political beliefs, rooted in Awoism, were far from mere ideology; they were a guiding light that illuminated the path for his tireless fight for democracy and good governance.
Pa Adebanjo’s journey was never an easy one. In 1962, he was forced into exile in Ghana after being charged with treasonable felony, following the political turmoil surrounding the Action Group and the trial of Awolowo. His defiance against oppression and his refusal to compromise his ideals led him to face persecution, yet his resolve only strengthened.
Chief Adebanjo’s most significant political contributions were as a founding member and leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation. Founded in 1993, in response to the annulment of the June 12 election, Afenifere became a platform for Adebanjo to promote the ideals of federalism and the need for Nigeria’s restructuring. Throughout his leadership, he remained staunch in his belief that Nigeria’s unity must be negotiated, not assumed. He consistently advocated for a federal structure that would allow for regional autonomy, echoing the ideals espoused by Awolowo in the 1950s. His stance on restructuring, a cause he championed for decades, reflected his firm conviction that Nigeria’s current structure of governance was unsustainable.
His politics were rooted in his adherence to the principles of Awoism, which prioritised social justice, free education, healthcare, rural development, and a welfare state. These were not just policy points for Adebanjo; they were the core of his political ideology, the foundation upon which he built his life’s work.
He was a man who believed that leadership was about serving the people, not acquiring power for personal gain. This belief made him a staunch critic of politicians who he felt had deviated from these ideals. His sharp criticisms were not limited to opposition figures but also extended to former allies who, in his view, had compromised the ideals of the Yoruba people and the Awoist cause.
The 1993 annulment of the presidential election, which was won by MKO Abiola, became a turning point in Adebanjo’s political life. As one of the chieftains of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), he played a pivotal role in the struggle against military dictatorship. Alongside other pro-democracy activists, Adebanjo stood on the frontlines, risking his life for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
What set Adebanjo apart from many of his contemporaries was his unwavering commitment to his principles. In a political landscape often characterised by opportunism and shifting allegiances, Adebanjo remained a constant advocate for the values he held dear. Whether in the Action Group, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), or later the Alliance for Democracy (AD), his loyalty to Awoism never wavered. He was not a man who sought power for its own sake; he sought a just and fair society, where all Nigerians could prosper, where the promise of independence would be fulfilled for every citizen, regardless of their ethnic or regional background.
Adebanjo’s leadership was also marked by his intellectual prowess and media savvy. As a former journalist, he understood the power of words and was never one to shy away from a candid opinion. His interviews were often marked by a sharpness and clarity that made him a sought-after figure in the media. Adebanjo’s ability to engage with the public, to speak truth to power, was one of his defining traits. His criticisms, while often controversial, were rooted in a deep-seated desire for a better Nigeria, a country where principles mattered more than political expediency.
Though his politics often led him into public disputes with figures such as Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Bola Ige, and Bola Tinubu (now Nigeria’s President), Pa Adebanjo was never one to shy away from confrontation when it came to defending his ideals. He was a fierce defender of Yoruba interests, but his commitment to the larger cause of Nigeria’s democracy never allowed him to succumb to narrow ethnic politics. He believed that Nigeria’s future lay in a restructuring that would allow for regional autonomy and a true federal system, where every region could thrive without the stifling hand of centralisation.
In his later years, Adebanjo remained a steadfast figure in Nigerian politics, leading Afenifere through turbulent times. His support for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, despite Obi’s not being from the Yoruba ethnic group, was a clear indication of his belief in principles over ethnic or regional loyalty.
To Adebanjo, it was never about personal gain or ethnic advantage; it was about what was best for Nigeria as a whole.
Pa Adebanjo’s personal life was as remarkable as his political journey. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Chief Christiana Modupe Adebanjo, with whom he shared over 60 years of marriage. Their union was a symbol of stability and love, qualities that Pa Adebanjo carried into every aspect of his life. He was also a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a family man whose values of integrity, commitment, and service were passed down to future generations.
In his death, Pa Ayo Adebanjo leaves behind a legacy that will endure for generations. His life was a testament to the power of conviction, the importance of integrity, and the enduring value of service to one’s people and country. While he may not have seen the full realisation of his dreams for a restructured Nigeria, his unwavering commitment to those ideals has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.
As we remember Pa Adebanjo, we celebrate a life well lived – a life devoted to the ideals of justice, equity, and unity. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, and while he will be committed to Mother Earth on May 3, his legacy will continue to inspire all who strive for a better, more just society.
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