The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have all expressed their condolences on the death of Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, a leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere.
Kayode Fayemi, the former governor of Ekiti State, the largest Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Middle Belt Forum all issued comments mourning Adebanjo’s death.
They all characterized Adebanjo as a staunch supporter of true federalism, justice, and equity, who worked tirelessly for Nigeria’s unity and democratic survival.
Adebanjo, 96, died on Friday at his Lekki, Lagos State house.
In a condolence letter sent in Abuja on Saturday, Akpabio called Adebanjo’s death “the end of an era.”
He described the late elder statesman as a devoted patriot who spent his life fighting for truth, equity, and justice in the country.
Akpabio said, “Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equity has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.”
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in a statement on his verified X handle, described the late nonagenarian as a courageous and principled leader.
He said, “He was a forthright, courageous, and principled leader who spoke the truth without fear or favor. Always at the vanguard of equity and justice, Pa Adebanjo stoutly defended what he believed to be true, right, and just.
“He was a soldier of democracy. Whether it was in the days of Pa Obafemi Awolowo or during the military era and the struggle for democracy under the auspices of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, he was fearless in the trenches, fighting for democracy and the blessings it promises.”
On Saturday, Ooni Ogunwusi stated in Osogbo, through his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, that Adebanjo was more than a political figure.
The royal father further stated that the dead was a defender of Yoruba beliefs, a steadfast advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism that Nigeria was founded on.
The statement partly read, “Pa Ayo Adebanjo was more than a political figure; he was a guardian of Yoruba ideals, a relentless advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism upon which Nigeria was envisioned.
“Throughout his life, he remained unwavering in his commitment to the principles of Afenifere, the revered Yoruba socio-political movement. His voice, always firm and unrelenting, was a moral compass for generations of leaders and followers alike.
“He lived and fought for democracy, justice, and the welfare of the common man, standing tall even in the face of opposition.”
In the same vein, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a condolence message signed by its President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, on Saturday, described Adebanjo as a “detribalized Nigerian, outstanding elder statesman, distinguished patriot, nationalist, bridge builder, and foremost leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere.”
Ohanaeze stated that Adebanjo’s exit had engendered deep pain, grief, and mourning among his family, loved ones, and numerous admirers.
Ohanaeze said, “Ndigbo, Nigerians, and posterity at large will forever cherish Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s enduring legacies and undoubted commitment to truth and social justice.
“His initiatives and robust contributions in the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, a body in which he was a founding member and which he equally utilized in his advocacy for fairness and good governance, will remain evergreen in our individual and collective memories.”
The Igbo group stated that its chieftains saw Adebanjo as “a caring bosom friend, beloved brother, a father, and a staunch ally for the unity and oneness of Nigeria, where justice, fairness, and equity are paramount.”
“As we mourn the sorrowful exit of this archetype of integrity and good conscience, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, we pray that God Almighty may grant your entire family the courage to bear this irreversible departure. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace!” Ohanaeze added.
