…Pa Adebanjo was a fearless freedom fighter, patriot, and statesman-Atiku
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, saying his principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed.
Tinubu in a tribute in a tribute wrote said that the nation will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse.
President Tinubu’s tribute read: “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.
…….Pa Adebanjo was a fearless freedom fighter, patriot, and statesman-Atiku
On his part, the former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he is saddened by the news of the passing away of Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
He described the late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.
He said: “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.
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