By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Overwhelmed by the death of detribalized Nigerian, elder statesman, nationalist, distinguished lawyer and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of the icon.
He said Chief Adebanjo will be deeply missed.
Chief Adebanjo died on Friday, February 14,at 96.
In a tribute he personally wrote, Tinubu said his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse will be missed by Nigerians.
Tinubu wrote:“I received the news of the passing of one of the Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow.
“Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
“According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
“His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed. As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse.
“Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life—96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.
“Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.
“A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
“In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.
“His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.
“Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
Adebanjo, a patriot par excellence,says Fasoranti
On his part, factional leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in a statement he personally signed, on Friday described the late Adebanjo as a patriot par excellence.
“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 upwards of 70 years.
“A patriot par excellence, his contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria shall remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
“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.
“Chief Adebanjo was a custodian of positive values that define progressive politics in Nigeria.
“As a disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, he 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,” Fasoranti stated.
An Iroko has fallen -Makinde
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, likened the death to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree in the forest.
The governor spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Governor Makinde, who described Pa Adebanjo’s death as the end of an era, commended him for being a great nationalist, federalist, patriot and true democrat, who gave his all for Nigeria to be a better country.
Describing Adebanjo as a father of all, Governor Makinde expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the late Afenifere leader, the Afenifere, the Government and people of Ogun State and the entire South-West people.
Peter Obafemi mourns Pa Adebanjo, calls for actualization of Nigeria of his dreams
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and governorship aspirant in 2026 Ekiti State election, Otunba Peter Obafemi, also mourned the demise of Chief Adebanjo.
The frontline governorship aspirant, in a statement he personally signed, extolled the virtues of the late Yoruba leader, calling for the fulfilment of his dream Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a true nationalist, elder statesman, and fearless leader of Afenifere.
“Despite his departure at a ripe age, it was shocking to receive the news of Baba’s demise on Friday.
“At 96, Baba Adebanjo leaves behind an indelible legacy of staunch commitment to democracy, justice, and the progressive ideals of Awoism.
“He was, indeed, one of the few remaining disciples of Papa Awo.
“As we mourn, I say we should also take time to reflect and celebrate Baba’s courage, consistency, and an unshakable belief in a better Nigeria.
“We should also think of how we can achieve a Yorubaland and Nigeria of Baba’s dream.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obafemi said.
Recall that Chief Adebanjo reportedly died at his Lekki, Lagos residence.
His demise was contained in an official statement from his family which was circulated to journalists on Friday.
The family said: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96.
“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former Organising Secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94 year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“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.”
Arrangements for Pa Adebanjo’s funeral are underway as “the family is currently in conversations with relevant stakeholders and associates around the country.”
