*He was a fearless fighter for justice, equity, says Atiku
By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo is dead.
He passed on at the age of 96.
Adebanjo:s death was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday and made available to Journalists.
The statement was jointly signed by three of his children, Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
According to the statement, the Afenifere leader died peacefully on Friday morning, February 14 at his Lekki, Lagos home at the age of 96.
“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 statement reads in part.
The family pointed out that consultations were ongoing with his (Adebanjo’s) friends, associates, and various interest groups across the country and beyond to finalise plans for a befitting funeral.
Details of his funeral arrangements, the family said, would be announced in due course, noting that a condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Meanwhile, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has expressed sadness at the passing away of Chief Adebanjo, whom he described as a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists in the country.
Atiku described Adebanjo as a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.
In a statement personally signed by him, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 election, said, “I am saddened by the news of the passing away of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists of our country.
“The late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.
“I can vividly recall the heroic role that Pa Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria. He was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship.
“It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.
“I wish to state without equivocation that Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.
“Apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists across different generations, Pa Adebanjo was an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches
“Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists, who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.
“He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction.
“My profound condolences go to the Adebanjo family. I admonish them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch who they mourn was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race. I also commiserate with the people and government of Ogun State.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the gentle soul of the pioneer nationalist”, Atiku said.
