The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen and eminent Nigerians led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, says it will immortalise legacies of late leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
Adebanjo passed away peacefully at his Lagos residence on Friday at the age of 96.
The Patriots, in a statement on Friday evening by the group’s Secretary-General, Mr Olawale Okunniyi said that it received the news of Adebanjo’s death with a heavy heart.
Okunniyi said: “Adebanjo, in the light of his illustrious life of service to Nigeria and humanity, will be greatly missed by The Patriots and the people’s of Nigeria that he lived and died for.
“Therefore, The Patriots as his immediate constituency shall therefore be setting up an immortalisation committee in the succeeding period, as its culture, to work out how best to immortalise the legacies of the Eminent Patriot.”
He described Adebanjo’s passing as the end of a remarkable era of a rare patriot.
According to him, the Patriots is proud to be associated with the exemplary life of a lived by Adebanjo.
He said that the late elder stateman was also a leading light and one of the founders of The Patriots.
Okunniyi added: “The Patriots are also glad to relish with pride Chief Adebanjo’s forthrightness and consistency in speaking truth to power in his lifetime.
“He has been doing this especially since his emergence as the organising secretary of the Action Group, AG in the 40’s under the revered leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory.
“Adebanjo, as a progressive politician in the 70s was quite outstanding, especially in the formation of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN led by the great Awo (Chief Obafemi Awolowo).”
He said that the late leader was quite an invaluable inspiration to the formation of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) under the leadership of Chief Abraham Adesanya.
He described Adebanjo as one of the key leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which was at the forefront of the struggle against military rule in Nigeria under the leadership of Chief Anthony Enahoro.
Okunniyi said that the late leader was quite distinguished and courageous in his contribution to the restoration of Nigeria’s current democracy, staying back in Nigeria to lead mass protest against the military.
“Again, Ayo Adebanjo, as an eminent leader of thought, was very instrumental and supportive in the formation of The Patriots towards the democratic constitutional political restructuring of Nigeria.
“He was later to become one of the leading voices of the 2014 National Confab set up by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan towards setting the pace for Nigeria’s political cohesion and stability,” he added.
Okunniyi, who commiserated with Pa Adebanjo’s wife, children and family members, prayed that God would give them the fortitude to bear “this great loss to the country and humanity in general.”
Adebanjo patriotic leader, symbol of national unity – Orji Kalu
Sen. Orji Kalu (APC-Abia) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of an elder statesman and Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
In a condolence message on Friday in Abuja, Kalu described the late Adebanjo as a patriotic leader, strong advocate for democracy and symbol of national unity.
Kalu, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Privatisation and South East Development Commission, acknowledged Adebanjo’s life-long dedication to justice, equity and good governance.
According to him, the elder statesman’s contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development will remain indelible.
“The passing of elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, is a great loss to Nigeria. He was a fearless leader who stood for truth and fairness at all times.
“His wisdom, courage and commitment to national unity will be greatly missed,” he said.
The lawmaker extended his condolences to the Adebanjo family, the leadership and members of Afenifere and all Nigerians who were touched by the late leader’s legacy.
He prayed for strength for the bereaved and for the peaceful repose of Adebanjo’s soul.
Adebanjo, a patriot par excellence ,a hero- Fasoranti
Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the Asiwaju of Yoruba and Leader of the Yoruba Socio-economic organisation, Afenifere, has mourned the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, an Afenifere chieftain.
Fasoranti, in a statement he personally signed , described the late elder statesman as a patriot par excellence and a great hero.
The statement was released by Mr Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere.
Fasoranti said that Adebanjo’s contributions during the struggles for Nigeria’s independence as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria would remain indelible in the country’s history.
“It is with great shock and sorrow that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms and political associate for upward of 70 years.
“A patriot par excellence. He was an unrelenting ideologue who fought for many noble causes under the auspices of Afenifere, where he was once the Acting Leader.
“Members of Afenifere family will greatly miss this fallen hero,” he said.
Fasoranti said that Adebanjo was a custodian of positive values that defined progressive politics in Nigeria.
“As a disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he (Adebanjo) was committed to the principles of good governance, rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights of Nigerians.
“His advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria was borne out of the conviction that only a truly federal Nigeria, where justice and fairness are supreme, could fulfill the aspirations of the people.
“I pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he said.
Similarly, Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, the 2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State has mourned the late Afenifere chieftain.
Oyefusi ,in a statement praised Adebanjo’s courage and convictions and his love for the country.,
The former Labour deputy governorship candidate described the late Afenifere chieftain as a towering figure in the country’s political and socio-cultural landscape.
She said Adebanjo’s transition at the age of 96 marked the end of an era of fearless advocacy, selfless leadership, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and the advancement of the Yoruba people.
She said that Adebanjo was not just a nationalist; he was a beacon of integrity, a steadfast defender of true federalism, and a relentless voice for equity and good governance.
“His dedication to the ideals of democracy, which he upheld throughout his lifetime, was evident in his role as a foremost leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.
“He remained consistent in his belief that Nigeria could only attain sustainable development through fairness, restructuring, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“As a woman in politics and an advocate for equity and good governance, I deeply appreciate Chief Adebanjo’s courage and principles.
“He stood firm in his convictions, undeterred by political intimidation or personal risks.
“His contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, spanning decades of activism and political engagement, remain a source of inspiration for leaders across generations,” she said.
Oyefusi said that beyond politics, Adebanjo was a mentor, a father figure, and a guiding force to many.
She added: “His wisdom, resilience, and dedication to public service have left an indelible mark on the history of Nigeria.
“He will be greatly missed, not only by the Yoruba people but by all Nigerians who cherished his vision for a just and progressive nation.”
She extended her condolences to his family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, and all who held him dear.
“May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a better Nigeria, built on the values of justice, unity, and true democracy, ” Oyefusi said.
Adebanjo, died on Friday in Lagos at the age of 96. Friends, family members and Afenifere chieftains have been visiting Adebanjo’s Lekki residence since his death was announced Friday afternoon.
Adebanjo agitated for better Nigeria till death — Shonibare
Chief Supo Shonibare, a chieftain of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, says late Chief Ayo Adebanjo anticipated and agitated for a better Nigeria till his last breath.
Shonibare, an active member of the defunct National Democratic Coalition(NADECO), disclosed this in an interview on late Friday evening in Lagos.
He spoke at the residence of late Adebanjo at Lekki Phase I during a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman.
Shonibare said that Adebanjo, was a leader with a high level of integrity and one who lived for the interest of all.
According to him, Adebanjo has over the decades shunned bitter politics.
Shonibare said: “He (Adebanjo) was a man who put integrity and needs to evolve a better society at the front burner of all the decision-making process he had been part of throughout his life.
“He had been preparing us for this day for the past year, since he became slightly unwell.
“He said that before his passing, Adebanjo saw that the struggle ahead would be turbulent and would require people reading through the tenets and covenant Chief Obafemi Awolowo has left as the basis of evolving a better society.
“He was an apostle of the thoughts and the political persuasion of Chief Awolowo and kept on that track throughout his lifetime.”
He said that every leader needed to take a cue from the the strong values and beliefs Adebanjo held so dearly.
“All of us need to take a cue from that and try to see what we can to participate in politics with honour and integrity.
“We must concentrate on having to evolve a better society and a devolved Nigeria.
“So, devolution of powers (restructuring) was something that was quite close to his heart,” he said.
By 8:00 p.m. on Friday, friends and family members were still visiting Adebanjo’s Lekki residence.
Adebanjo, an Afenifere chieftain, died on Friday in Lagos at the age of 96.