Prominent Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has passed on, but his words to former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, that he should remain on the path of justice, still resonates with him.
Obi’s words: “The last time I spoke with him, his words left a lasting impression: “Always stand on the path of justice.” That advice remains a guiding principle in my life, and I reaffirm my commitment to upholding it in honour of his memory. In my association with Pa Adebanjo, I come to appreciate Nelson Mandela’s words, “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”
The elder statesman died Friday morning February 14, 2025, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, at the age of 96.
He is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with 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,” the statement by the family said.
The family also disclosed that consultations were ongoing with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across Nigeria and beyond to finalise plans for a befitting funeral.
Mourning the demise of his staunch supporter, Obi, in a lengthy condolence messsage on his X handle, said, “My family and the Obidient Movement got the shocking news of the passing on of our dear father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who was a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the Afenifere organization.
“His death is 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.
“One thing my political journey in life taught me, for which I am eternally grateful to God is bringing me close to a few great minds who helped to shape my perception of this land as a great country.
“One such person is Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the quintessential Afenifere leader.
“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….
“As we mourn his departure, let us also celebrate a life well-lived in service to humanity and commit ourselves to upholding the values he so passionately 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. As we extend our condolences to his immediate family and the Afenifere organization, may we find solace in the enduring impact of his remarkable life?
On his part, the former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, John Nnia Nwodi described Pa Adesanya as a quintessential Patriot-Nnia Nwodo
In a statement, he wrote: “I got the news of the death of a friend and the leader of the Pan Yoruba body, the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, at the age of 96 years.
“Pa Adebanjo was one of the last sincere patriots whose stand for justice and equity was glaring. He was an exceptional nationalist whose unwavering commitment to justice and equity stood him out as the hero of the struggle for a greater Nigeria.
“I worked closely with him during my tenure as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide from 2017 to 2021, during which I came to appreciate his love for justice and equity as the only basis for a great Nigeria.
“As leaders of ethnic nationalities Pa Adebanjo and the rest of us worked for an egalitarian Nigeria where justice and equity should reign supreme in a restructured Nigeria.
“He was also a courageous man who was never intimidated by any threat or lured by any material inducements for what he believed in. He always stood firm in his conviction guided by his integrity and principles.
“Pa Adebanjo’s undulating and resolute dedication to justice will continue to catalyze the young generation to come for a greater Nigeria.
“Afenifere organization and Nigeria will miss his immense contributions, but we will take solace in the huge legacies he left behind.
“On behalf of my family, I like to pray to God to grant his soul eternal repose and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge demise.”
