Tributes continue to pour in for elder statesman Ayodele Adebanjo following his passing. President Bola Tinubu, governors, politicians, and the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere have all paid homage to the late leader, who died at 96.
A Life of Service
Fondly called Pa Adebanjo, he passed away “peacefully” at his Lagos home on Friday.
In his tribute, President Tinubu expressed “profound sorrow” at the news, describing Adebanjo as a “principled voice” in Nigerian politics.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
He acknowledged their political differences but emphasised their enduring bond. “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,” he said, extending condolences to the family.
Afenifere Pays Tribute
For Afenifere, which Adebanjo led and significantly shaped, his death came as a “great shock and sorrow.”
“A patriot par excellence, his contributions to Nigeria’s independence and the struggle for democracy shall remain indelible in our nation’s history,” Afenifere leader R. F. Fasoranti stated.
“He was an unrelenting ideologue who fought for many noble causes under Afenifere, where he once served as Acting Leader. Members of the Afenifere family will greatly miss this fallen hero.”
A Champion of Justice
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also paid tribute, recalling Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to justice and fairness.
“My family and the Obidient Movement were shocked by the passing of our dear father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria,” Obi wrote.
“As we mourn his departure, let us also celebrate a life well-lived in service to humanity and commit ourselves to upholding the values he so passionately championed.”
A Life of Courage and Leadership
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the South-West Governors Forum, praised Adebanjo’s lifelong dedication to Nigeria.
“He was devoted and committed to the Nigeria Project for about seven decades. We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism, and good governance, which he championed and fought for many decades until his last breath,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Describing Adebanjo as a man of “extraordinary courage and service,” the governor highlighted his invaluable contributions to the Yoruba people and the nation.