Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a leader of Pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, as end of an era.
This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Adebanjo died on Friday in his Lagos home at the age of 96.
Makinde likened the death of the prominent leader to the fall of a mighty ‘Iroko’ tree in the forest.
He noted that the decease was a great nationalist, federalist, patriot and true democrat, who gave all for Nigeria to be a better country.
He expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Afenifere, the people of Ogun and the entire South-West people.
Adebanjo: Great loss to Nigeria, says Odumakin
Dr Joe Odumakin, President of the Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation (OOF), has described the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a renowned nationalist, as a great loss to Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday, Odumakin described Adebanjo as a patriot who dedicated his life to the pursuit of a just and equitable Nigeria.
The elder statesman and nationalist passed away on Friday in Lagos at the age of 96.
Odumakin stated that Adebanjo’s demise is an irreparable loss, not only to the Yoruba people but also to Nigeria and beyond.
The human rights activist highlighted Adebanjo’s unwavering advocacy for true federalism and restructuring throughout his lifetime.
She emphasised that his contributions to Nigeria’s political development would always be remembered.
“Until his passing, Adebanjo remained the last man standing in the inner caucus of the ‘Awoist Group’.
“His relentless advocacy for true federalism and restructuring will remain indelible in Nigeria’s history.
“He was steadfast in his call for justice and equity, dedicating his entire life to this noble cause.
“His absence will be deeply felt, not only by the Yoruba people but also across Nigeria and beyond.
“His wisdom, principled stance, and fearless approach to national issues have greatly influenced the struggle for a united and prosperous nation,” she said.
Odumakin also extended her heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Afenifere group, and all those affected by Adebanjo’s death.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she prayed.
Gov. Abiodun says Adebanjo’s exit marks end of a glorious era
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, an elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, as the end of a glorious era.
Abiodun, in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday, also described Adebanjo as a man of principle and one of the most prominent and unwavering disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said Adebanjo’s death was a profound loss to Nigeria.
“The government and people of Ogun could not have wished for a more glorious end for the unblemished apostle of federalism, good governance and the defence of Yoruba interests,” the governor stated.
He said the late Adebanjo stood head and shoulders above many of his contemporaries and set the pace in the critical appraisal of governments and governance as vehicles of social engineering.
“The late legal and political icon was one of the few Nigerians whose life embodied the story of Nigeria, from the struggle for independence to the post-independence era, straddling military rule and the return to democratic rule.
“To all intents and purposes, Chief Ayo Adebanjo represented the finest of Ogun and Nigeria as a whole, and his ideals will never be forgotten.
“It does not matter where you stand in the political terrain: Adebanjo was a man whose integrity you could not question.
“He lived through the finest and ugliest moments of Nigerian history, was hounded by the Establishment for his beliefs, and was even exiled for resisting autocracy and the suppression of the masses.
“He never once hid his identity as a passionate defender of the Yoruba nation and its interests.
“From his activist beginnings in 1943 as a follower of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe to his activities as a member of the youth wing of the Action Group (AG) in 1951, right into the early 60s.
“This was when Awolowo and his lieutenants stood trial for treason, and right into the heady days of the military and the return to civil rule when he actively engaged governments and participated in constitutional conferences to remake the structure, character, and temper of Nigerian federalism.
“Adebanjo never once refrained from being a voice of courage and a force for good. In particular, his strident advocacy for federalism was unmatched,” Gov. Abiodun said.
He noted that while Ogun was still going to come to terms with the reality of his passing, it was profoundly grateful to God for giving it such a gem.
“He will be sorely missed,” Abiodun said.
The late Adebanjo died on Friday at his Lekki home in Lagos at the age of 96.
Pa Adebanjo was a fighter for justice, Okurounmu says
Sen. Femi Okurounmu, an elder statesman, on Friday in Abeokuta described the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a fighter for justice who many Nigerians should emulate.
Okurounmu, who expressed sadness over the death of Adebanjo earlier on Friday in Lagos, said the late Afenifere leader fought for equity, fairness and for democracy.
According to a statement released by his family, Adebanjo died at the age of 96 at his Lekki home in Lagos.
Okurounmu who represented Ogun Central Senatorial Zone in the Fourth Republic, said Adebanjo had always followed the principles of the late Obafemi Awolowo.
“We are very sad about his death.
“Every Nigerian knew what kind of a person he was. He was a fighter for justice and equity, fairness and for democracy.
“He was one of the leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) struggle.
“He was one of the leaders of the now defunct Action Group (AG), as the party’s Organising Secretary and a follower of Obafemi Awolowo right from the 1960s, and he was always following Awolowo’s principles,” Okurounmu said.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the late Afenifere leader, and also dedicate their lives to the pursuit of truth, justice and equity.
“They should spend their lives having in mind the welfare of the common man, not their own selfish interest,” Okurounmu said.
The late Adebanjo was survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Lagos Assembly mourns Adebanjo
The Lagos State House of Assembly has mourned the passing of Afenifere leader and Awoist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who died on Friday.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed this in an interview in Lagos on Friday.
Adebanjo passed away at his Lekki home in Lagos at the age of 96.
Adebanjo’s unwavering belief in a truly independent and progressive Nigeria defined his lifelong struggle, which he pursued until his final breath.
Reacting to his death, Ogundipe described it as a devastating blow to the Yoruba race, saying Adebanjo dedicated his life to serving the Yoruba people.
The assembly spokesperson hailed Adebanjo as a committed Awoist, a progressive politician, and a patriotic Nigerian.
He highlighted Adebanjo’s remarkable contributions to the defunct Action Group and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Ogundipe noted that Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life and was deeply involved in almost all progressive political movements.
He said, “It is unfortunate that today, we lost one of Afenifere’s leaders, a staunch Awoist, and a progressive politician, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
“His life was devoted to serving the Yoruba people and humanity in general.
“We will miss him, especially his wise counsel on national issues and his views on matters affecting the Yoruba race.
“On behalf of Speaker Mojisola Meranda and the Lagos State House of Assembly, I commiserate with Afenifere, the Adebanjo family, and progressives nationwide on his passing.”
Ogundipe prayed for God to grant Adebanjo eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.