President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reacted to the demise of the Afenifere’s chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo saying, “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.”
Noting that he received the news of the passing of Adebanjo with profound sorrow, Tinubu said that all who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
The President said that his principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, would 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”, he added.
His statement reads, “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.
“Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
“May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country.’
Also. the former governors of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, expressed their sadness over the demise Adebanjo, describing him as a champion of democracy and a promoter of equity, justice and fairness
Ex-Govenor a serving senator representing Ogun East at the Senate, described Adebanjo as a legendary and exemplary leader as well as one of the last Titans of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s leadership who always stood very strong and firm on his convictions.
Daniel said, “It is sad to hear the news of the passing of one of our great leaders in Afenifere, one of the last Titans, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. His ability to stand firm on his convictions and his strength of purpose for whatever he believed in was exemplary, as was his legendary oratory power. Pa Adebanjo was of the old Awo stock in Yoruba ethos, reminding us every inch of the way about the value of fairness, equity and justice; values for which he fought to his last breath. Nigeria shall surely miss his invaluable contributions to our national discourse as we search for true federalism and statehood. Ogun State and the entire Yoruba nation have again lost another icon.”
Amosun described Adebanjo as a respected elder statesman, a champion of democracy, and a proud advocate for the Yoruba people who contributed immensely to the development of Ogun State, the South West region and Nigeria.
He stated,, “He was a courageous leader with an unwavering commitment to democracy, justice and the advancement of the Yoruba people. He left an indelible mark with his tireless efforts to promote peace, unity, stability, and prosperity in our great country. His legacy of selfless service and courage will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens. Indeed, Chief Ayo Adebanjo has gone with a record of a life well spent.”
“I recall the crucial roles played by Chief Adebanjo alongside other eminent leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to end military rule in Nigeria. He was also a voice of reasoning in the advocacy for restructuring and regional autonomy in Nigeria. I pray that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest, and give his widow, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, the children, grandchildren, and the entire family the fortitude to bear his irreparable loss”, he added.
Governor Oyebanji described him as a committed nationalist and a steadfast advocate of true federalism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji praised the elder statesman for his unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and national unity.
Further describing the deceased as a complete democrat, a fighter of bad governance, and an advocate of true federalism in the Nigerian federation, Oyebanji prayed for the repose of his soul, and extended condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the leadership of Afenifere, and the people of Ogun State, describing his death as a monumental loss.
