The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has paid tribute to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as not just a political figure, but a guardian of Yoruba ideals.
“Ogunwusi joins other eminent Yoruba people to celebrate the passage of an iconic elder statesman, Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96.
“Ooni does not mourn, but rather celebrates the legacy and indelible impact of those who have walked the path of honour and left behind footprints of greatness,” a statement by Mr Moses Olafare, the Director, Media and Public Affairs to the Oba, said on Saturday.
The traditional ruler also described Adebanjo as a relentless advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism upon which Nigeria was envisioned.
Ogunwusi said that the voice of the deceased was always firm and unrelenting and was a moral compass for generations of leaders and followers alike.
He said that Pa Adebanjo lived and fought for democracy, justice, and the welfare of the common man, standing tall even in the face of opposition.
“Pa Adebanjo’s transition is not an end but a passage into the realm of the ancestors where he has joined the league of great Yoruba forebears like late Obafemi Awolowo, late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and all other true Awoists who shaped the destiny of our people.
“His exemplary life serves as an eternal blueprint for leadership, courage, and selfless service.
“The House of Oduduwa celebrates his legacy, praying that the ideals he upheld will continue to guide our leaders and inspire the younger generation to embrace the values of truth, justice, and unity.
“May his soul find rest among the noble ones of our land,” Ooni Ogunwusi prayed.
Gov. Abiodun, Gbajabiamila visit Adebanjo’s residence, extol his virtues
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and the Chief of Staff to the President , Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday visited the residence of the late Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo,to commiserate with his family over the death of their patriarch.
Abiodun arrived at the Lagos home of the Yoruba leader at 4.50p.m. Gbajabiamila joined him 15 minutes later.
After a meeting with the children of the deceased, Abiodun told newsmen that Adebanjo was part of his life when he started his political career.
The governor said: “He (Adebanjo) was a role model, a father figure to us, he was an iconic Yoruba man who we all became fond of because of his dogged principles.
“He was irrevocably principled, bold, audacious, consistent, fearless, Baba would say it as he was it and as he felt regardless of how anyone feels about it.
“Perhaps, Baba’s training as a lawyer helped his ability to articulate himself unapologetically.
“Baba’s love for the Yoruba race was second to none. He fought for the emancipation of the Yoruba through different platforms.”
Abiodun said that though everyone would miss the late elder statesman, the people were celebrating his life and legacies.
According to him, Adebanjo was one of those voices that would be missed in the country’s political firmament.
In the condolence register, Abiodun wrote: ” Baba, finally, God has called you home. You were bold, consistent, fearless, principled, focused till the very end.
“Your legacies are and will remain enduring for the world and many generations unborn. You will be solely missed. We thank God for the impactful life you life. May your soul continue to rest in peace.”
Also, Gbajabiamila praised Adebanjo’s service to mankind and the country.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said: “To God be all the glory, we will miss Baba but we are consoled, knowing he rests in Peace.
“Thank you for your service to mankind and to Nigeria,” Gbajabiamila, who declined media interview, wrote in the condolence register.”
Friends, associates and family members have been thronging Adebanjo’s Lekki residence since his passing was announced on Friday afternoon. Adebanjo died on Friday in his Lagos home at the age of 96.
Gov. Mbah mourns Pa Adebanjo
Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in mourning prominent leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Pa Adebanjo died on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State at the age of 96.
Mbah in a post on his verified X handle — @PNMbah on Saturday, described the late nonogenerian as a courageous and principled leader who said it exactly the way he saw it, irrespective of whose ox was gored.
He also described him as a patriot, soldier of democracy and a respectable statesman.
He added that “I received with utmost shock and deep sense of grief, the passing of Pa Adebanjo.
“He was a forthright, courageous and principled leader, who spoke the truth without fear or favour. Always at the vanguard of equity and justice, Pa Adebanjo stoutly defended what he believed to be true, right and just.
“He was a soldier of democracy. Whether it was in the days of Pa Obafemi Awolowo or during the military era and the struggle for democracy under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), he was fearless in the trenches, fighting for democracy and the blessings it promises.”
The governor said “on behalf of my family and the good people of Enugu State, therefore, I send heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and people of Ogun State, Afenifere, and indeed the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large over this irreparable loss.”
He also prayed for peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
PDP mourns Adebanjo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over the death of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing it as a national tragedy.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Saturday, the party described Adebanjo as a nationalist and a foremost advocate of democracy in Nigeria.
He said Adebanjo was a fearless lawyer, forthright and principled politician, uncompromising democrat, and a leading national figure.
Ologunagba said Adebanjo stood for people’s rights and championed democratic values such as adherence to the rule of law, good governance, and transparency.
“He also fought for accountability, social welfare, justice, equity, fairness, and mutual respect in national life.
“He was a national icon, a torchbearer, and a passionate advocate of true federalism, restructuring, and devolution of powers,” Ologunagba said.
He described these principles as the only workable templates for effective governance, political stability, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
“Chief Adebanjo was an audacious and outspoken patriot, committed to the nation’s unity, stability, and development by always speaking the truth,” he added.
He said Adebanjo provided practical solutions to complex national issues and remained a source of inspiration, vision, and direction for leaders.
Ologunagba noted that through the years, Adebanjo distinguished himself as a true nationalist, prioritising Nigeria’s interests and the welfare of its people.
“He was a fighter for Nigeria’s independence, a staunch Zikist Movement member, and later the Organising Secretary of the Action Group (AG).
“Adebanjo was also a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and a respected Afenifere leader.
“His death at this critical time is a huge blow, as his wisdom, experience, and guidance are needed now more than ever.
“Though we mourn, we take solace in knowing that Chief Adebanjo lived an accomplished life, leaving behind invaluable legacies for future generations,” he said.
The PDP extended its deep condolences to the Adebanjo family, the Afenifere community, the Ogun government, and democracy advocates worldwide.
Ologunagba prayed for strength and fortitude for all who mourn this great loss.