President Bola Tinubu has expressed his great grief over the death of Afenifere leader and elder statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a brave crusader for truth, justice, and democracy.
Adebanjo, 96, a notable Yoruba leader and patriot, died quietly at home in Lekki, Lagos, on Friday, February 14, according to his family’s statement.
Tinubu paid tribute to Adebanjo’s legacy in a personal sympathy message sent on Friday, recognizing his lifelong dedication to Nigerian advancement and national unity.
Tinubu described Adebanjo as one of the last surviving nationalists who played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political history.
“From his early years as the Organizing Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic, Adebanjo remained unwavering in his pursuit of good
governance and democratic ideals.”
The president recalled Adebanjo’s courageous stance during the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, particularly his role in the National Democratic Coalition following the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election.
“In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance, he joined NADECO as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanize a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu also acknowledged Adebanjo’s role in his political journey, particularly during his election as the Governor of Lagos State in 1999 under the Alliance for Democracy.
While stating that their political paths diverged in later years, Tinubu emphasized that his respect and admiration for Adebanjo never wavered.
“I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure,” Tinubu said.
He extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the Afenifere leadership, governors of the Southwest, and all Nigerians who shared in the late leader’s vision for a better country.
“Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest,” Tinubu concluded.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
