LAGOS – Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Segun James, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos, James Sowole in Abeokuta and Fidelis David in Akure
President Bola Tinubu yesterday mourned the death of the leader of the apex Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo at the age of 96, saying the deceased’s principled voice of political activism will be deeply missed.
Also, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, former vice president, Atiku Abubukar, the Presidential candidate of the Labour party in the last general election Peter Obi and Senator Orji Kalu, also commiserated with the family of the late Afenifere leader.
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Governors of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and the Obafemi Awolowo Leadership Selection Committee joined other Nigerians to mourn the late sage.
Pa Adebanjo, according to a statement from his family died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State yesterday morning, February 14, 2025.
The statement read: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria home at the age of 96.
“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, an apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.
“The family is consulting with Papa’s friends, associates, and numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond to fine-tune plans for befitting funeral details, which will be communicated in due course.
“A condolence register is open at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.”
In a statement personally signed by him yesterday, President Tinubu described the deceased as a statesman and politician who stood among the last generation of nationalists who shaped the foundation of Nigeria as a nation.
Tinubu, who traced Baba Adebanjo’s political history to the Action Group in the First Republic where he served as Organising Secretary described him as a committed disciple of late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo who joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against Nigeria’s military dictatorship in the 1990s.
The President added that though he later parted ways politically with Pa Adebanjo based on principle, he however shared a personal bond with the Afenifere leader.
“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
“His principled voice, which resonated through 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.
“His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy,” Tinubu added.
Obasanjo described late Adebanjo as a great man, a committed nationalist, an effective representative of his people and an unpretentious personality.
According to him: “It was with deep sense of personal loss that I received the sad news of the passing of my beloved friend and senior brother, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, away in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I am currently attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.”
The former President in a tribute made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi stated that the unfortunate news came to him as a shock, lamenting his passing was “no doubt, a huge loss not only to me and to Ogun State but also to the country as a whole.”
“As a foundation member of the Action Group Party (A.G.), he will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and patriot who has given his best as an active community leader and an exemplary politician with integrity”.
By Damilola Adeleke| February 15, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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