Afenifere Chieftain Pa Ayo Adebanjo has died. He died peacefully at 96 on Friday, February 14, at his Lekki residence in Lagos.
A confirmation of the sad news was made in a statement by the family, saying,“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.
“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, an apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“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, and 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.
“A condolence register is open at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode Ogun State.”
Tributes Pour In
In a tribute to the late Afenifere leader, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi wrote, “My family and the Obidient Movement got the shocking news of the passing on of our dear father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who was a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the Afenifere organization.”
Former Political Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Akin Osuntokun, on Friday, described the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as a great loss that has left a significant void.
“Though we mourn his passing, it is, more appropriately, an occasion to celebrate a life of resilience, triumph, and victory. His legacy challenges those of us whom he steadfastly mentored to rise to the occasion and fill the enormous vacuum he has left behind. He came, he saw, and he conquered. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, in an official statement on behalf of Afenifere, described him as, “An avowed Awoist and a staunch advocate of progressive ideology, Ayo Adebanjo was known for his relentless push for restructuring, true federalism, and a Nigeria built on equity, fairness, and a true sense of belonging for all ethnic nationalities.”
Gani Adams wrote, “The late Pa Adebanjo was a man of courage and conviction. He had a lion’s heart—fearless and unwavering in his beliefs. Throughout his life, he symbolized integrity and hard work.”
And former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in paying tribute wrote, “The late Chief Adebanjo was one of those rare politicians who straddled the worlds of the legal profession, politics, and socio-cultural activism,” Buhari stated.
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