Since his passing Friday – yesterday, February 14 – afternoon, tributes have poured in from across Nigeria – from leaders, family, friends, associates and well wishers – for Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the Afenifere, the apex Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, who died in his Lekki, Lagos, residence, aged 96.
And the sentiments are practically all the same: Nigeria has lost a political gem, a unifying personality whose stand on matters of principle, equity, fairness and justice was unwavering throughout his life.
The following are excerpts from the tributes:
Tinubu pays tribute, Pa Adebanjo was a man of boundless wisdom, cherished democratic ideals
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday – today, February 14 – said he received the news of the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, an Afenifere leader, with profound sorrow.
In a tribute by the President, he said Nigeria had lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity had left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
“According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, Feb. 14, 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,” wrote the President.
He said though the nation mourned Adebanjo, it remained grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life of 96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.
Tinubu said Adebanjo, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and heroes who shaped the foundation of the country.
He said Adebanjo was a devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose 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,” said Tinubu.
He added that Adebanjo helped to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of the country’s 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,” Tinubu stated.
He extended condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
He was a committed nationalist, an unpretentious personality – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Afenifere stalwart, Ayo Adebanjo, as a great man, a committed nationalist, and an unpretentious personality.
The elder statesman passed away on Friday in his home, Lekki, Lagos State, at the age of 96.
In a tribute signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said the news of Adebanjo’s passing came as a shock.
“His passing is a huge loss to me, Ogun, and the entire country.
“I received the sad news with a deep sense of personal loss in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I am attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
“The news was shocking because when I visited him on Feb. 3 at his Lekki residence, I did not foresee his demise so soon.
“Adebanjo had a highly successful career and selflessly served his community, state, and nation. As a foundation member of the Action Group party, he will be remembered as a patriot,” Obasanjo said.
According to him, the late nationalist was an exemplary politician of integrity who demonstrated that politics should be about service, not personal enrichment.
The former president recalled that, during his tenure from 1999 to 2007, he and Adebanjo occasionally disagreed but remained committed to regenerating and repositioning Nigeria.
“He was unpretentious. His thoughts, words, and actions were free of political bias. He had friends across the country and lived a life of remarkable experiences.
“He fought courageously for Nigeria’s restructuring, believing in governance based on democracy, justice, equity, stability, and national unity.
“It is unfortunate that he did not live to see this dream fulfilled. His contributions to strengthening our democracy will be missed by the entire nation,” Obasanjo stressed.
Obasanjo extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s immediate and extended family on their painful loss.
“We pray that God grants them, and all of us—his friends and admirers—the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“I will deeply miss my beloved friend. I cherish our remarkable memories together and hold onto the hope that we will meet again,” he said.
“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,” concluded the former President.
He was a fearless freedom fighter, foremost elder statesman – Atiku
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has described the late Leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as a freedom fighter, foremost elder statesman and one of Nigeria’s few remaining nationalists.
Abubakar, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that the late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and fearless fighter for justice, equity and an egalitarian society.
He recalled the heroic role which Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said that Pa Adebanjo 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,” he said.
Abubakar condoled with the Adebanjo family, admonishing them to take solace in the fact that their patriarch was a father to the whole country and pride to the Black race.
He also commiserated with the people and government of Ogun and prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
Adebanjo champion of unity, inclusiveness – Chief Anyaoku
A former Commonwealth General-Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has described late Chief Ayo Adebanjo as a champion of equity and inclusiveness.
Adebanjo, the leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere,,died on Friday – today, February 14 – in Lagos, aged 96.
Anyaoku, who was one of the early callers at the deceased’s residence, said that Adebanjo was a foremost nationalist.
“Adieu to a giant of Nigeria’s movement to independence, to a foremost nationalist and an unshakable believer in the potential of Nigeria for stability, unity and development through a constitution that ensures equity and inclusiveness for all the different groups in the country,” Anyaoku wrote in the condolence register opened at the deceased’s residence in Lekki area of Lagos.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr Ebun Sonaya, said late Adebanjo. was a firm believer in one Nigeria, adding he was passionate about the country’s progress.
“The death of Adebanjo has left a big void.
“He (Adebanjo) is our father who took over from Baba Awolowo. He was a big motivator, a strong-willed person who loved this country .
“We will miss loyalty. He was the most loyal person I know.
Sonaya said that Adebanjo would be remembered for his unwavering love for this country.
“He didn’t believe in splitting Nigeria. Baba has gone to rest and we are going to miss him.
“I think his death may heal all wounds and bring everybody together. His passing will make many South Western politicians start thinking.
“I believe his passing will make us begin to do the right thing,” Sonaya said.
His death a profound loss to Nigeria – Peter Obi
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, Obi extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family and the Afenifere organisation, calling his death “a profound loss to Nigeria and to all who cherish justice, equity, and truth.”
“As the leader of Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo remained a steadfast advocate for a united and progressive Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to fairness and his relentless pursuit of a better nation have left an indelible mark on our country’s history,” Obi stated.
Obi reflected on his personal relationship with Adebanjo, noting the impact the elder statesman had on his political journey.
He recalled the support he received from the Afenifere leader during his presidential campaign, describing Adebanjo’s endorsement as more than just a political gesture.
“I remain deeply grateful for his support during my presidential campaign. His endorsement was not merely a political gesture but a testament to his belief in the ideals of equity and inclusiveness. He stood firm in his convictions against all odds, demonstrating his dedication to the greater good of Nigeria,” Obi said.
He also recounted his last conversation with Adebanjo, in which the late leader advised him to “always stand on the path of justice.”
Obi said those words remain a guiding principle in his life.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Obi said his association with Adebanjo reinforced his appreciation for independent thinkers.
“I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles,” he added.
As Nigerians mourn Adebanjo’s passing, Obi called on the nation to celebrate his life of service and uphold the values he championed.
“May his death not be in vain. Instead, let it serve as a renewed call to action for all who believe in justice and fairness,” he said.
Bode George, Gbenga Daniel, Akin Osuntokun, others mourn Adebajno
Chief Bode George, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, and Mr Akin Osuntokun were among the early mourners at the Lagos residence of the late Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo, who passed away on Friday.
The leaders, in separate interviews, spoke to newsmen during their condolence visits to Adebanjo’s Lekki home. They all described the late leader as principled to the end.
Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), described Adebanjo as a principled leader who will be missed.
“It is his contributions to our nation that will remain in our memories. He ran his race and finished well,” George said.
“Baba Adebanjo was deeply concerned about our nation’s state. His death reminds us that one day, we will also pass. Nothing is permanent,” he added.
George also recalled that Adebanjo, a member of the 2014 Constitutional Conference, constantly urged Nigerian leaders to revisit the conference’s decisions and recommendations.
He noted that Adebanjo, as a First Republic politician, saw the nation’s drift. “We won’t let that die. We’ll continue the battle for justice, fairness, and equity,” George said.
He added, “I’ll miss him for his principles. His advice was invaluable.”
Sen. Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun governor, called Adebanjo’s death the end of an era. “We’ve lost our father. The Yoruba nation has lost a titan,” Daniel said.
“Nigeria has lost its voice of reason. Things will never be the same. At 96, we thank God he lived a good life,” he added.
Daniel described Adebanjo as an icon of hope and pride for the Yoruba nation. He highlighted lessons of honesty, bravery, and standing for one’s beliefs.
Mr Akin Osuntokun, Director-General of the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, said Adebanjo’s passing left a vacuum difficult to fill.
Osuntokun said, “He was a warrior for any cause he believed in. He never held back when convinced of a position.
“He gave us ample notice. While we mourn him, this is also a celebration of his life,” Osuntokun added.
He urged others to rise to the challenge of filling the void left by Adebanjo and emulate his life of sacrifice.
Adebanjo, a chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, died on Friday in Lagos, aged 96.
He was a committed Awoist – Lagos House of Assembly
The Lagos State House of Assembly has mourned the passing of Afenifere leader and Awoist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who died on Friday.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
Adebanjo passed away at his Lekki home in Lagos at the age of 96.
Adebanjo’s unwavering belief in a truly independent and progressive Nigeria defined his lifelong struggle, which he pursued until his final breath.
Reacting to his death, Ogundipe described it as a devastating blow to the Yoruba race, saying Adebanjo dedicated his life to serving the Yoruba people.
The assembly spokesperson hailed Adebanjo as a committed Awoist, a progressive politician, and a patriotic Nigerian.
He highlighted Adebanjo’s remarkable contributions to the defunct Action Group and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Ogundipe noted that Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life and was deeply involved in almost all progressive political movements.
He said, “It is unfortunate that today, we lost one of Afenifere’s leaders, a staunch Awoist, and a progressive politician, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
“His life was devoted to serving the Yoruba people and humanity in general.
“We will miss him, especially his wise counsel on national issues and his views on matters affecting the Yoruba race.
“On behalf of Speaker Mojisola Meranda and the Lagos State House of Assembly, I commiserate with Afenifere, the Adebanjo family, and progressives nationwide on his passing.”
Ogundipe prayed for God to grant Adebanjo eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
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