By Eric Elezuo

“Nigeria has lost one of the strongest voices of wisdom, courage and reason against dictatorship, oppression, intimidation, ineptitude, maladministration, tribalism and general maladies” – Dele Momodu 

The announcement on Friday of the death of one Nigeria’s known detribalised individuals, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, took many by surprise, the fact that he was of age notwithstanding.

Known for his vocal and matter-of-factly analysis of national events, Pa Adebanjo died on Friday morning at his Lekki residence in Lagos, according to a family statement. He was aged 96.

The statement reads: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on 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, 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, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond, to fine tune plans for a 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.”

THE AYO ADEBANJO WE KNOW

Fearless, vocal, not intimidated, truthful and devoid of ethnic bias, Pa Ayo Adebanjo was born on April 10, 1928, in Ijebu Ogbu Oke, Odogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State.

As the leader of Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-political organization, he has been a steadfast advocate for the rights and unity of the Yoruba people. His unwavering commitment to the principles of Awoism and his close association with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo have solidified his legacy as a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. Throughout his career, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has been a vocal critic of governmental policies and a champion for social justice and democracy.

Reports have it that as a youth, Pa Adebanjo actively participated in the Zikist movement, led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, from where his vision of activism and support for the right ideals was sharpened towards ending British rule in Nigeria.

In 1951, Pa Adebanjo joined the Action Group, a political party founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance and setting the stage for his lifelong commitment to Awoism, a political philosophy based on the principles of Chief Awolowo. His friendship with Awo was close and deep, and so was able to imbibe in totality his vision of genuine regional autonomy, federalism, equity, fairness, equality and social justice. These have oftentimes put him at variance with ruling authorities and colleagues. Of course, he was a constant customer to political persecutions.

Much as he fled to Ghana in 1962, during the trial of Chief Awolowo and other Action Group leaders for alleged treason, he remained steadfast in his commitment to democracy and continued to support the struggle for a more just and equitable Nigeria.

Never a holder of political position, Pa Adebanjo’s relevance in the political equilibrium stemmed from his reasonable criticism of government policies against the people. He also championed social causes and worked to improve the lives of regular citizens.

Beyond championing the cause of the common man, Pa Adebanjo displayed unwavering principles and dedication to the Yoruba people and agenda. As the leader of Afenifere, he has played a key role in advocating for the rights and unity of the Yoruba ethnic group. His contributions to Nigerian politics and society have left an indelible mark, making him a respected elder statesman and a symbol of integrity and resilience.

He had always told whoever cared to listen that his doggedness in speaking the truth is a consequence of parental background, noting that his family instilled in him that moral that frowns at evil, and upholds the good.

Pa Adebanjo was solidly trained in academics, which started in his hometown of Ijebu Ogbu Oke, Odogbolu. He attended primary school locally before advancing to secondary education at Ijebu Ode Grammar School. At this school, he excelled academically and developed an early interest in journalism and public affairs, which laid the foundation for his future career in politics and advocacy.

After completing his secondary education, Pa Ayo Adebanjo pursued higher education abroad. He traveled to the United Kingdom, where he studied law at the University of London. His time in the UK was marked by a commitment to his studies and a growing passion for social justice and political activism.

Upon completing his law degree, Pa Ayo Adebanjo was called to the English Bar in 1961, officially becoming a barrister. This significant achievement equipped him with the legal expertise and advocacy skills that became instrumental in his political career, and shaped his intellectual and professional development.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s career path is a testament to his steadfast dedication to democracy, justice, and the principles of Awoism. Here’s a detailed overview of his career:

Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s works and legends are a testament to his resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the ideals he holds dear. His contributions to Nigerian politics and society have left a lasting impact, making him a revered elder statesman and a symbol of the struggle for democracy and justice in Nigeria.

He is survived by his 94-year-old widow among many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS ADEBANJO

I received the news of the passing of one of the Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow. Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.

According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, 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.

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. Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life—96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.

Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.

A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.

In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.

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.

Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.

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, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country.

A GARGANTUAN LOSS, AFENIFERE DIASPORA USA MOURNS

Afenifere Diaspora United States of America has joined all Nigerians across the world to mourn the leader of Afenifere.

In a press statement signed by both Prof. Sikiru Fadairo, Leader Of Afenifere Diaspora USA and Comrade David Adenekan, Secretary of Afenifere Diaspora USA, the group described the passing of “Pa. Ayo Adebanjo as a gargantuan loss.

The statement further reads: “Suffice it to say, death has done its worse, Pa. Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo has peacefully joined our ancestors in the world beyond, it is indeed a life well spent but left a gargantuan loss and a vacuum too big to be filled for humanity.

“The entire family of Afenifere Diaspora USA, including our able and indefatigable leader, Prof. Sikiru Fadairo, join the national leadership of Afenifere, the entire Yoruba at home and abroad, and Nigeria to mourn and celebrate a life well spent of Pa. Ayo Samuel Adebanjo.

“We are mourning and celebrating the passing away of another sage in the history of humanity, a man that has sacrificed his personal enjoyment of life with the great burden of selfless service to humanity, it does not matter “whose ox is gored”, he spoke the truth to power.”

GREAT LOSS TO NIGERIA, SAYS BUHARI 

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has also mourned Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

The ex-president, in a release issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, described his demise as a great loss for the nation.

“The late Chief Adebanjo was one of those rare politicians who straddled the worlds of the legal profession, politics, and socio-cultural activism,” said the former president.

He prayed for the repose of his soul and for fortitude to his family, admirers, and the government and people of Ogun State to bear the loss.

HE HAD UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO FAIRNESS – PETER OBI

Also joining of mourners, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, said Pa Adebanjo was one of the great minds who shaped his perception of Nigeria as a great country, while expressing his condolences via X.

“One such person is Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the quintessential Afenifere leader,” he said.

“I remain deeply grateful for his support during my presidential campaign. His endorsement was a testament to his belief in equity and inclusiveness.

“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.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adebanjo family and the Afenifere organisation

“His death is a profound loss to Nigeria and all who cherish justice, equity, and truth.

“His unwavering commitment to fairness has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history,” Obi said.

HE WAS A TRUE ICON OF NIGERIA’S ’s DEMOCRATIC STRUGGLE  – KAYODE FAYEMI

In a personally signed statement, for governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, described Adebanjo as a man who spent his life committed to fairness and democratic ideals in the face of adversity.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, foremost nationalist and leader of Afenifere. This is a great loss not only for the Yoruba nation but for Nigeria as a whole.

“Pa Adebanjo was a true icon of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, an unwavering advocate of justice, and a pillar of progressive politics in Nigeria. Baba was more than a political leader; he was a moral compass who never wavered in his convictions.

“As a committed nationalist and a leading voice in Afenifere, he stood for fairness, justice and the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure a more equitable society. His principled courage, wisdom, and steadfastness in speaking truth to power made him an enduring figure in our national political landscape.

“While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate a well-lived life dedicated to pursuing a better Nigeria. His legacy will remain an inspiration for those of us who believe in the principles he championed.

“On behalf of my wife, whom he specially adored and the rest of our family, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Yoruba nation, the Afenifere leadership, and all Nigerians who are beneficiaries of his leadership and goodwill.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may God grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

Many other condolences, detailing the ideal position Pa Adebanjo took while he lived continued to flow in the media space, and at his home where a condolence register has been opened.

May the soul of the statesman rest in perfect!