Headline

Pa Ayo Adebanjo: Curtain Falls on Awo’s Loyal Disciple

Published

1 year ago

February 16, 2025

Eric

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.”

Consequently, encomiums, eulogies and condolences have continued to flow from the high and mighty as well as from the regular citizens, all of whom agree that the avowed freedom fighter, distinguished lawyer, politician and activist, was a force to reckon with.

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!

Headline

Parties’ Deregistration: ADC, Not NDC, is the Target

Published

24 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As the 2027 presidential election draws closer, intrigues, manipulations and maneuvers have continued to be the order of the day as political parties engage in one gimmick or another to outdo and undo one another.

While some are playing politics of numbers and conviction, others are engaging tendencies that tend to question the status quo and established principles under which genuine democracy is formed. As a matter of fact, fingers have been pointed at the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal government as the brain behind all machinations that have attempted to derail multi-party democracy, and institute a one-party state, which is alien to the Nigerian democratic roots. This is as a result of the constant imbroglio that has consistently engulf almost all the major political parties in the country.

Fresh facts have however, emerged to prove that every act of frustration thrown at the opposition has been indirectly aimed at the main opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

According to reliable sources, the recent deregistration of parties, especially the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), was actually targeted at the ADC.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, on June, 26, set aside its earlier judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. A ruling that put a question mark on the eligibility of the party presenting candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections

The presiding judge, Isah Dashen, held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made in the matter.

The court upheld the application filed by a certain organization, the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party was a necessary party to the suit.

According to the judge, the earlier judgement was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties.

He declared that such an omission rendered the entire process null and void.

Mr Dashen further ruled that the status quo be restored to what it was before the December 10, 2025 judgement, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He also observed that certain material facts were suppressed in the earlier proceedings, which justified the decision to set aside the judgment.

Consequently, the court ordered that the substantive suit should begin afresh, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PMP and the NDC as parties to the case.

According to NAN’s reports, the applicant’s lawyer, Chikezie Ekeocha, told journalists that the PMP approached the court after discovering that NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit.

According to Mr Ekeocha, the court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgement.

“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of 10 December 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.

He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.

“The recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgement must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Mr Ekeocha stated.

He, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided.

“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”

Mr Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the 10 December 2025 judgement.

The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the NDC to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.

It would also be recalled that a few weeks earlier, the Federal High Court in Abuja, had ordered the deregistration of five political parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The others are Action People’s Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Accord Party.

However, on June 16, the Court of Appeal in Abuja halted the enforcement of the judgement, ruling that it violated its earlier ruling staying proceedings before the Federal High Court.

While INEC awaits the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to deregister the NDC, the NDC has reacted, rejecting the judgment as travesty of justice.

Lending credence to the notion that the President Tinubu-led administration is basically targeting the establishment of the ADC as a party, and the candidature of its presidential flagbearer, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is also the presidential candidate of the ADC, has stated categorically that there are plots to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election.

Atiku’s position is stated in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu on Monday, notifying the public that he had received credible information suggesting that political and legal manoeuvres were being deployed against the ADC, stressing that the persecution that has been thrown towards the NDC was a clear distraction as the main target is the ADC.

Atiku alleged that anti-democratic elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were working to ensure that the ADC is excluded from the ballot.

“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative,” he said.

Atiku called on Nigerians to reject any attempt to determine which opposition parties participate in the election.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians — not just ADC members and supporters — to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election,” he said.

“Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed.

“If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?”

He said he hoped the information available to him would not materialise but argued that recent political developments made such concerns difficult to dismiss.

“The pattern has become all too familiar. First, institutions that ought to be neutral are drawn into partisan contests,” he said.

“Then, frivolous litigations suddenly gain unusual momentum. Administrative powers are selectively deployed.

“Political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Before long, democracy itself becomes the casualty.”

Atiku alleged that the ruling party has focused more on weakening the opposition than addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

“The obsession with silencing the opposition has become so consuming that governance itself has taken a back seat,” he said.

“At a time when Nigerians are battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and collapsing purchasing power, those entrusted with public office appear preoccupied with political survival rather than national survival.”

Nigerians recall that ever since the official rejuvenation of the ADC in June/July of 2025, where the duo of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola emerged as the party’s chairman and secretary respectively, the party has not known moments of peaceful coexistence as litigations from corners unknown have sprang up in a bid to destabilize the party and deprive it of the opportunity of featuring on the ballot paper come 2027.

ADC, as a child of circumstance emerged from the rumbles of the litigation-ridden former main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where two factions have consistently remelained at loggerheads over leadership. While the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is working assiduously to ensure the reelection of Bola Tinubu, leads one faction, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who became a defacto head, leads the other faction. In all, PDP appeared to have no direction, forcing many of its members to jump ship, thereby birthing the ADC, and to a large extent, the NDC, which is presenting Peter Obi as the presidential candidate, with former Kano governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.

Sources also informed The Boss that the hasty reading and passage of the Electoral Act 2026 by the Godswill Akpabio-led National Assembly, with many great areas left unattended to, were also part of the grand design to deprive the ADC the constitutional rights of presenting candidates for the 2027 elections.

But both the ADC and the NDC has vowed that they would follow every process to ensure that the crackdown on opposition parties by the Tinubu administration comes to an abrupt end.

But beyond the intrigues, Nigerians are gearing up to participate fully in the forthcoming election with cross sections of the population either hailing Tinubu for his policies or knocking him for the untold hardship in the land.

Headline

South Africa Nothing Without Africa – MTN Boss, Mcebisi Jonas

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2026

Eric

The MTN Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas, has condemned the ongoing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, describing it as a symptom of State failure being cynically exploited by politicians with no interest in genuine solutions.

The speech is seen as one of the most substantive interventions by a senior business figure into xenophobic crisis currently plaguing South Africa.

Delivered during the funeral service of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant, Thokozani Damasane, Jonas’ words have sparked a wave of discussion across South African civil society.

“I was thinking, what is home to Damasane?” he said. “Because I understand, and I understood very early in life, that home is where humanity is. Home is about humanness. It is about the good of humanity and striving for the good of humanity.”

Thokozani Damasane was born and educated in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa during the post-apartheid transition period. Jonas described him as arriving “as an outcast” into a country still finding its post-liberation footing – and choosing, nonetheless, to commit himself entirely to its struggles and its people.

“He immersed himself deeply into the struggles, into the pains of South Africans, and he became one of us,” Jonas said.

“In Damasane’s strength, our strength as South Africa and South Africans is reflected. And in his weaknesses, our own weaknesses are reflected.”

Speaking further, Jonas blamed the state for the failure being witnessed, emphasising that if foreigners leave South Africa today, the country’s problems will still persist.

“Foreigners can leave tomorrow – inequality will be with us,” he told the congregation.

“Foreigners will leave tomorrow – unemployment will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow – our police will remain corrupt. Foreigners will leave tomorrow – our politicians will still be concerned with one thing: being elected and re-elected.

“The problem is the failure of the state. The State doesn’t manage immigration. It doesn’t manage its borders. It doesn’t enforce
law enforcement. It doesn’t manage education. What are you expecting?”

Jonas argued that this failure created fertile ground for political manipulation. “When people feel the burn, they become vulnerable to politicians whose sole purpose is to be elected and re-elected. Some of them have no credibility whatsoever. But they lead marches and tell our people that the problem is not us – it is foreigners.”

Jonas recounted a conversation he had witnessed between Damasane and a young man who had challenged the right of foreigners to be in South Africa. Damasane’s response, Jonas said, had stayed with him ever since.

“Damasane said to this guy: Just wait fifteen or twenty years. You will also want to leave your country.”

Jonas told mourners those words now carry a weight Damasane may not have anticipated. “As I stand up today, I look at South Africa. The level of oppression and inequality, the level of exclusion of our people, the level of corruption, the betrayal of the dream of liberation – those words of Damasane ring very loud in my ears.”

South Africa is nothing without Africa

Jonas closed with a call for what he described as a return to “national consciousness” – one rooted in continental solidarity and economic interdependence rather than ethnic exclusion.

“We are a nation embedded in Africa,” he said. “And without Africa, our growth as a country – economically – our fortune is intertwined with the growth of Africa. South Africa is nothing without Africa. And Africa is nothing without South Africa.”

He also reframed the question of legacy and identity for Damasane’s children, who were present. “Sometimes this thing called meritocracy is measured in wealth. No. It is values, it is principles, it is integrity. And your father had all of that.”

“We cannot judge people by their origin,” he told mourners. “We cannot determine the legal status of people by their origin.”

Headline

NDC Rejects Court Ruling on Party’s Registration, Heads to Appeal Court

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), on Friday, vowed to challenge the judgment nullifying its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that it would exercise its constitutional right of appeal.

Reacting to the ruling on Thursday, the party’s spokesman, Osa Director, said the NDC was still awaiting the certified copy of the judgment before making a comprehensive statement on the court’s decision.

He, however, confirmed that the party had resolved to head to the appellate court.

“We are still waiting to obtain a copy of the judgment. After reading the comprehensive judgment, we will make a detailed statement,” he said.

The spokesman added: “For now, what is certain is that we will exercise our right of appeal.”

Insisting that the party would challenge the ruling, he said: “It is our constitutional right to appeal, and we intend to exercise that right.”

When asked specifically whether the NDC would appeal the judgment voiding its registration, the spokesman replied: “Yes, the party will appeal the case.”

The party’s reaction came shortly after a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in a judgement that nullified its registration by INEC, a development that could have significant implications for the NDC’s participation in the country’s political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC, however, maintained that it would refrain from making further comments on the substance of the judgment until it had studied the full text of the court’s decision.

The party’s planned appeal is expected to set the stage for a fresh legal battle over its status and continued existence as a registered political party.