President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, expressed his deep sorrow upon hearing of the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of Afenifere, who died at the age of 96.
In his tribute, the President stated that Nigeria had lost a political leader whose unwavering dedication to justice, democracy, and national unity had left an indelible mark on the country’s history.
“According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, 14th February, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
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“His principled voice, which resonated throughout 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,” the President remarked.
While the nation mourns Adebanjo, Tinubu said that it remained grateful to God for blessing him with a long and remarkable life of 96 years, during which he advocated unrelentingly for progress and equity.
Tinubu praised Adebanjo as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, standing among the last of a generation of nationalists and heroes who laid the foundation for the country.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a steadfast advocate for a united Nigeria.
Obi shared his tribute via a condolence message on his X handle on Friday, mourning the passing of the Afenifere leader at the age of 96.
Obi went on to describe Adebanjo as a leader committed to a united and progressive Nigeria. He commended Adebanjo for standing firm in his convictions and for his dedication to the greater good of Nigeria.
“The last time I spoke with him, his words left a lasting impression: ‘Always stand on the path of justice.’
“That advice remains a guiding principle in my life,” Obi recalled.
Obi extended his condolences to the Adebanjo family and the Afenifere organisation, praying that Nigerians find solace in the legacy left by the late leader.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Adebanjo as a great man, a committed nationalist, and an unpretentious personality.
In a tribute signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo expressed shock at the news of Adebanjo’s passing.
He remembered the late nationalist as an exemplary politician of integrity, demonstrating that politics should be about service, not personal enrichment.
The former President recalled that during his tenure from 1999 to 2007, although he and Adebanjo occasionally disagreed, they remained committed to regenerating and repositioning Nigeria.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, described the late Afenifere leader as a champion of equity and inclusiveness.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described Pa Adebanjo’s death as the end of an era, likening the loss of the prominent leader to the fall of a mighty ‘Iroko’ tree in the forest.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday, also praised Adebanjo as a man of principle and one of the most prominent and steadfast disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Dr Joe Odumakin, President of the Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation (OOF), in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday, remembered Adebanjo as a patriot who dedicated his life to the pursuit of a just and equitable Nigeria.
The Lagos State House of Assembly also mourned the passing of the Afenifere leader and Awoist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, described the death of the nonagenarian as a devastating blow to the Yoruba people, noting that Adebanjo dedicated his life to serving the Yoruba race.
