Reflection on Pa Adebanjo’s legacies, Tinubu, Obasanjo, governors, Afenifere pour in tribute
Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Reflection on Pa Adebanjo’s legacies, Tinubu, Obasanjo, governors, Afenifere pour in tribute
• Selfless, courageous, fearless, patriotic, democrat and fervent nationalist are adjectives leaders used to qualify the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from leaders, activists, and citizens alike from across the country, highlighting his legacies, strong convictions and passion to see a better Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu said with the passing of Pa Adebanjo, Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu said that he received the news of the passing of Pa Adebanjo with profound sorrow.
According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
Tinubu stated that all who knew 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.”
Tinubu further said that his unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to his 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,” Tinubu said.
He Was A Courageous Political Leader And True Patriot – Obasanjo
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo described the deceased as a great man, a committed nationalist, an effective representative of his people and an unpretentious personality.
Obasanjo said: “It was with deep sense of personal loss that I received the sad news of the passing of my beloved friend and senior brother, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, away in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I am currently attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.”
The former president in a tribute by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, stated that the unfortunate news came to him as shock, lamenting his passing was “no doubt, a huge loss not only to me and to Ogun State but also to the country.”
He added: “The unfortunate news came to me as a shock because when last I visited him on February 3, 2025, at his Lekki residence, though he was in such a fragile state, I had no inkling he would leave us so soon. His transition is, no doubt, a huge loss not only to me and to Ogun State but also to the country as a whole. He was a great man, a committed nationalist and an effective representative of his people.
“Looking back, Chief Adebanjo had a highly successful career with selfless service rendered to his community, state and, indeed, the entire nation.
“As a foundation member of the Action Group Party (AG), he will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and patriot who has given his best as an active community leader and an exemplary politician with integrity and one who has demonstrated that politics is an avenue not for mindless enrichment but for rendering faithful service to humanity.”
Obasanjo noted Adebanjo’s commitment to enthroning democracy in the country, his tenacity in the face of daunting odds and mortal risk to his life is very common knowledge.
“And these mark him out as a courageous political leader and true patriot. Not surprisingly, he had come to be regarded as one of our most notable elder statesmen, who had an enviable track record of purposefulness, honesty and integrity to bear in promoting the cause of national unity.
“As a democratically-elected President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, we both sometimes disagreed to agree to regenerate and reposition our country to meet the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people and chart the course to our nation’s glorious future.
“He was such an unpretentious personality! His thoughts, utterances and deeds were completely devoid of political partisanship. He had friends from all over the country and he led a life filled with remarkable experiences.
“Until his death, he fought with courage and tenacity to see to the restructuring of the Nigerian nation through which good governance based on democratic principles and practice and leading to unity in diversity, justice and equity, political stability, nationalism, popular participation, peace and security and socio-economic progress with strong leadership would be enshrined.
“It is unfortunate that his dream to see this through couldn’t be actualised in his lifetime. Indeed, Chief Adebanjo’s contributions to the strengthening of our fledgling democracy will be missed by the entire nation.
“My family and I commiserate with his immediate and extended family members on this painful loss and pray that God will grant them and the rest of us, his friends and admirers, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May the soul of our very dear Chief Adebanjo rest in perfect peace, Amen.
“I will undoubtedly miss my amazing and beloved Egbon Ayo, with the hope to continue to hold on to the good and remarkable memories we had together, till we meet to part no more,” Obasanjo stated.
Pa Adebanjo Was A Fearless And Courageous Man – Sanwo-Olu
The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of elder statesman and foremost nationalist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, said the death of Adebanjo, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated elder statesmen, was a colossal loss to the country and the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, and an irreplaceable loss to the people of Ijebu and Ogun State.
He also expressed condolences to the Adebanjo family, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the entire Isanyan Ogbo community in Ijebu, Ogun State, on the passing of a social and political leader who never held executive or appointed government office in his lifetime.
Sanwo-Olu said Chief Adebanjo’s record of service to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole as a celebrated lawyer, politician, rights activist, and Afenifere chieftain would remain indelible for generations to come.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, and the entire people of South-West, we celebrate the departure of our foremost nationalist and Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo, who contributed his quota to the growth and development of Yoruba and Nigeria during his lifetime.
“The legacies of Chief Ayo Adebanjo cannot be forgotten because of the positive impacts he made during his lifetime and his extraordinary life of courage and service to humanity, his community, the Yoruba race, and the nation.
“He was devoted and committed to the Nigeria Project for about seven decades. We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism, and good governance, which he championed and fought for many decades until his last breath.
“Pa Adebanjo was a fearless and courageous man, who fought for justice with honesty and integrity. He was in the trenches for many years, even at old age, fighting for a better Nigeria. He was a hero of democracy and teamed up with other progressives and members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) against the annulment of the June 12 election.
“I commiserate with Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s widow and family members, friends, associates, the people of Ijebu community, Yoruba, and all Nigerians over the death of the elder statesman.
“I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo. May God grant the deceased family, loved ones and the Yoruba the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the nonagenarian.”
Pa Adebanjo Represented The Finest Of Ogun State – Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described the passing of Adebanjo as the end of a glorious era.
In a statement, Abiodun described Adebanjo as a man of principle and one of the most prominent and unwavering disciples of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Abiodun, who described Adebanjo’s death as a profound loss to Nigeria, said the government and people of Ogun State could not have wished for a more glorious end for the unblemished apostle of federalism, good governance, and the defence of Yoruba interests, who stood head and shoulders above many of his contemporaries and set the pace in the critical appraisal of governments and governance as vehicles of social engineering.
He described the late legal and political icon as one of the few Nigerians whose life embodied the story of Nigeria, from the struggle for independence to the post-independence era, straddling military rule and the return to democratic rule, together with all the joys and pains of those epochal moments.
He added: “To all intents and purposes, Chief Ayo Adebanjo represented the finest of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, and his ideals will never be forgotten.
“It does not matter where you stand in the political terrain: Adebanjo was a man whose integrity you could not question. He lived through the finest and ugliest moments of Nigerian history, was hounded by the establishment for his beliefs, and was even exiled for resisting autocracy and the suppression of the masses, and never once hid his identity as a passionate defender of the Yoruba nation and its interests, regardless of whose horse was gored.
“From his activist beginnings in 1943 as a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to his activities as a member of the youth wing of the Action Group in 1951, right into the early 60s, where the sage and his lieutenants stood trial for treason, and right into the heady days of the military and the return to civil rule when he actively engaged governments and participated in constitutional conferences to remake the structure, character, and temper of Nigerian federalism, Adebanjo never once refrained from being a voice of courage and a force for good. In particular, his strident advocacy for federalism was unmatched.
“We are still coming to terms with the reality of his passing, but let us just note that we are profoundly grateful to the Almighty God for giving us such a gem in Ogun State. He will be sorely missed.”
He Was A True Democrat, Say Makinde, Aiyedatiwa
On his part, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has likened the death of Pa Adebanjo to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree in the forest.
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, 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.
Also, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the demise of Adebanjo, as saddening.
According to Aiyedatiwa in a condolence message, the deceased left an indelible mark.
Aiyedatiwa further stressed that the Afenifere chieftain was committed to the values of democracy, justice, and equality.
He said: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a leader and statesman who dedicated his life to serving the people.
“Throughout his lifetime, Pa Adebanjo demonstrated unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, justice, and equality in Nigeria.
“His tireless efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity have left an indelible mark on our country’s history.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens.”
He Was A Patriot Par Excellence, Says Fasoranti
Afenifere Leader, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, has also described Pa Adebanjo’s death as a huge loss, praying that God grants his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a condolence message he personally signed, Fasoranti said: “It is with great sadness, 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.
“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 the 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, 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.”
He Prepared For His Death 10 Years Ago – Afenifere
The Secretary-General of the Afenifere faction led by the deceased, Sola Ebiseni, has disclosed that Pa Adebanjo prepared for his death 10 years ago.
Ebiseni, in a statement, said the late Adebanjo had strengthened his followers for the struggle of a better country.
Vowing to continue to carry on with the agenda of the late Afenifere leader, Ebeseni stressed that Adebanjo would be remembered for his advocacy on restructuring.
He said: “The Afenifere wishes to formally announce the demise early today, the 14th of February 2025, of our leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, at the age of 96.
“An avowed Awoist and progressive school of thought, Ayo Adebanjo was known for his central stage advocacy of restructuring, true federalism, and a Nigeria of equity, fairness, and a true sense of belonging for its constituent ethnic nationalities.
“For about a decade, Baba had often reminded his followers that at his age, he was already at the “departure lounge” to strengthen us for the continued struggle for a better Nigeria, a country he truly loved. We will undauntedly keep the banner afloat.
“Subsequent statements will be made available as directed by the Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, in consultation with Baba’s immediate family.”
‘Adebanjo Was The Most Fervent Nationalist Nigeria Has Ever Produced’
Equally, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum (YRLF) and Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI) Platform, described the late Adebanjo as the most fervent nationalist Nigeria has ever produced.
Although the groups lamented that Pa Adebanjo died without necessarily realising his dream of true federalism and vision of development for the country, they said the late nonagenarian made an indelible mark in the political history of the country by constantly standing for truth, justice and equity.
Aare onakakanfo described his death as a monumental loss to Yoruba land; equating Adebanjo to an Iroko tree, whose voice remained prominent across Nigeria.
In a statement, he said the death of Pa Adebanjo has created a big vacuum in the socio-political space, depriving the Yoruba of a strong voice that revolves around every circle.
He added: “In his death, we have lost a lot, considering his modest lifestyle, wisdom, and bluntness. Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a true disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who preached the gospel of true federalism, and remained committed to the ideals of the late Awolowo.
“The late Pa Adebanjo was also a man with a lion heart, courageous and blunt. He feared no tribulations and all his life, he was also a symbol of integrity and hard work.”
Referencing his relationship with the late Afenifere leader, Adams said the life of Pa Adebanjo reminded him of the loss of a friend and Baba’s adopted son, Yinka Odumakin, and the energy he put up in fighting for justice and fairness in Nigeria.
“When a race loses such a leader and an unapologetic Awoist, a leader that speak truth to power, you can understand the extent of the loss.
“But in all, I find solace in the fact that Baba Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life as a man of integrity and value. He would be glad in the end that he tried his best for the Yoruba.
“For us that are alive, the journey to address the obvious injustice and lacuna in Nigeria has continued even after the death of the late Yoruba leader. We will not relent in our efforts to promote the ideals for which Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived and died for,” he said.
In a tribute jointly signed by the President and Secretary of CCDI, Goddy Uwazurike and Steve Nwabuko respectively, the group said Nigeria has been thrown into mourning with the passage to eternal glory of Pa Adebanjo.
The tribute reads: “Adebanjo was many things to many people. A detribalised Nigerian, an astute politician, an articulate parliamentarian, a philanthropist par excellence and a man of peace, vigour and essence of the political school of thought of the legendary and erudite politician, Pa Obafemi Awolowo of the Action Group (AG) class of political egalitarianism, equity, justice and good conscience.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived out these noble virtues in his private and public life leading to his remaining a political activist as a nonagenarian and astute voice against nepotism, tribalism, cronyism and the descent to the rise of mediocres as national and political party leaders.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo was until his death the leader of the notable Pan Yoruba group, Afenifere, through which he preached and lived unity, fairness, respect for national ethos and values, equality, rule of law, power sharing, election fairness, equity, good governance and respect for human lives and dignity.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo was one of the founders of the Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt Coalition (SN-MBC) consisting of South West, South East, South South and North Central geopolitical zones for the single purpose of power rotation and access to national political leadership without subterfuge, let or hindrance.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo stands out as the greatest bridge builder between the South West (Yoruba) and South East (Igbo) peoples since after the civil war in 1970 and remains one of the strongest voices calling for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Federal Government unlawful detention.
“The Yoruba race worldwide has lost a shining star. Ndigbo Worldwide have lost a dear friend and caring brother. Southern and Middle Belt Coalition has lost a father figure, instructor, adviser, and essential guide. The Obedient Movement in Nigeria has lost a fan, friend, supporter and admirer. Nigeria has lost a sound voice of good conscience in integration, meditation, cohabitation and wisdom.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo had wished to see an Igbo become the President of Nigeria in his lifetime and was expecting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to be released from detention in the same manner other treasonable felony cases have been dispensed with either by forgiveness or reversed by state pardon but these never came to happen in his lifetime.
“As we mourn the exit of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Ndigbo Worldwide are saying, whence cometh another bridge builder from the South West to succour us in the manner Pa Ayo Adebanjo did identify with Igbo neglect, derision, deprivation and denigration in Nigeria?
“As Igbo pray for the peaceful repose of the beautiful soul of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and submit to his glorious home call to eternal blitz, we send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, his friends and associates, to the Yoruba race worldwide and to Nigeria as a whole.”
Also, President Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, Akin Malaolu, said the youths may not know the remarkable footprints that late Pa Adebanjo left behind. He was a true faithful and sincere loyalist to late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a believer in one Nigeria.
Malaolu said: “His progressive mind made the unity of Nigeria sustainable and his belief in true federalism must not be wished away but be attained. He was a leader who could see beyond almost all the generations of leaders we have had since 1999.
“He was an astute statesman and truly honest and sincere to be with. We in Yoruba Ronu leadership forum will always follow in his footprints and his desires for better Nigeria. May his good soul rest in peace.”
In addition, the Yoruba Nimi Empowerment Foundation has described the passing of Pa Adebanjo as a tremendous loss to the country.
According to the organisation’s president, Olaseni Bokini, Pa Adebanjo’s contributions to Nigeria’s development will forever be remembered.
Bokini added that as the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo strongly advocated for true federalism and the Federal Character principle.
Bokini praised Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to his principles, stating “Baba stood for what he believed was just and right to the end, irrespective of what anybody thought. This testament to Pa Adebanjo’s character reflects his unshakeable dedication to the plight of the people and his pursuit of peace and stability in the country.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Pa Adebanjo played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. He was a key figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and a strong advocate for the rights of the Yoruba people.
“As a seasoned politician, Pa Adebanjo worked closely with other prominent Nigerian leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige. His commitment to democratic principles and human rights earned him widespread respect and admiration.
“Though some of his decisions seemed too liberal, and the conservatives felt they weren’t necessary, he believed he was doing the right thing. I might not agree with some of his decisions, but I still respect him as our father. That is why we are Omoluabi. As the Yoruba proverb says, ‘We can’t sleep and put our heads in one direction.”
He added that as Nigeria mourns the loss of this iconic leader, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of the people will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian history,” he added.
Pa Adebanjo Will Be Remembered For His Unwavering Support For The Marginalised – PANDEF
In the same vein, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, said they are profoundly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Pa Adebanjo.
A statement by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Igali, described the deceased as a legendary icon and elder statesman who dedicated an extraordinary 96 years to activism, championing justice, equality, and freedom for the Nigerian people.
According to Igali, the news of Pa Adebanjo’s demise has left the body in deep sorrow as it struggles to come to terms with the loss of the distinguished lawyer, politician, and statesman.
PANDEF recounts that he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history even predating its independence.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Pa Adebanjo was a steadfast advocate for democratic governance, human rights, and social justice. His relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria inspired generations to strive for excellence and demand accountability from their leaders. His contributions to the country’s struggle for independence, his role in shaping the Action Group and Afenifere, and his unwavering support for the marginalised and oppressed will forever be remembered.
“We particularly acknowledge that it is to his credit that relations between Afenifere and PANDEF flourished, fostering a spirit of truth and justice in Nigeria. This achievement highlights his dedication to unity and intra group collaboration.
“Indeed, until his passing, Pa Adebanjo was the co-founder and deputy chairman, alongside Chief E.K. Clark, in the Southern and Middle Belt Forum — a platform that brings together leaders from the South East, South South, South West, and North Central regions.
“This forum continues to play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and understanding across Nigeria’s diverse regions, including close interaction with Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum.”
Igali said PANDEF joins all other Nigerian patriots to celebrate Pa Adebanjo’s inspirational life.
The PANDEF Chairman also condoled Pa Adebanjo’s personal friend and partner, Chief EK Clark, his family and the Yoruba nation who have lost a beloved son, leader, and champion.
By Seye Olumide, Rotimi Agboluaje (Ibadan), Gbenga Salau, Kehinde Olatunji (Lagos), Ann Godwin, (PortHarcourt), Adewale Momoh (Akure), and Azeez Olorunlomeru (Abeokuta)
