Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has compared the death of Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization Afenifere, to the collapse of a big Iroko tree in the forest.
Makinde termed Adebanjo’s death “the end of an era” in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
The governor also praised the dead as a wonderful nationalist, federalist, patriot, and true democrat who worked tirelessly to make Nigeria a better country.
Makinde, who described Adebanjo as “a father of all,” extended his condolences to the late Afenifere leader’s immediate family, the Afenifere, the government and people of Ogun State, and the whole South-West people.
Chronicle NG reports that the chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, died at the age of 94 at his Lekki, Lagos State residence.
The family confirmed his death in a statement released to our correspondent on Friday.
The statement was signed by his children, Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (née Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (née Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
The family also stated that discussions with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and numerous interest groups across the country and abroad are currently underway to finalize plans for an appropriate funeral.
According to the announcement, funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, and a condolence register has been set up at his Lagos apartment and his country estate in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The former Action Group organizing secretary is survived by his wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, 94, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
