Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, the factional leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, has reportedly passed away at 96According to the family, the foremost nationalist and elder statesman passed away in the early Friday, February 14The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Mrs Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo
Lekki, Lagos – Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, a foremost nationalist, and elder statesman has died at the age of 96.
He passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
Ayo Adebanjo, the factional leader of the Afenifere, has passed away
Photo Credit: @Imranmuhdz
Source: Twitter
The family confirmed Adebanjo’s death
The family confirmed his passing in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the statement read.
Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and the national leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
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The statement reads in part:
“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.”
How Adebanjo’s funeral would go
The family also disclosed that consultations are ongoing with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across Nigeria and beyond to finalise plans for a befitting funeral. Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
A condolence register has been opened at his residence at 8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as well as his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Mrs Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
Buhari, Falae mourned Adebanjo
His demise has been mourned by several prominent Nigerians, including the secretary to the state government Chief Olu Falae.
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The elder statesman in a media chat, described Adebanjo as one of the last Mohicans, and they, who are his contemporaries will sustain his steadfastness and integrity in supporting what is right and just.
Also, the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the elder statesman, expressing deep sorrow over the passing away of the Afenifere chieftain and described his death as a significant loss for the country.
In a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the spokesperson to the former president, Buhari highlighted the contributions of Adebanjo to socio-cultural activism, law and politics as he paid tribute to his legacies.
Adebanjo sacked as Afenifere leader
Henzodaily.ng earlier reported that Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the acting leader of the Yoruba socio-political and cultural group Afenifere, has been sacked.
Afenifere sacked Adebanjo as its leader at its monthly meeting held at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the group, in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
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This came months after the controversies that trailed the preferred candidate of Adebanjo against the choice of many people in the group.
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Source: Henzodaily.ng