Nigerians from all walks of life have mourned Chief Ayo Adebanjo describing him variously as a “patriot,” “nation builder,” “fearless fighter,” “defender of democracy,” “detribalised Nigerian,” and an “unwavering champion of equity and true federalism” among many other attributes.
Aged 96, Adebanjo who was a prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, died yesterday at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
Announcing his passing, the family said in a statement that Adebanjo died “peacefully” and that consultations had begun to “fine-tune plans for befitting funeral details, which will be communicated in due course.”
In his tribute to the elder statesman, President Bola Tinubu said the deceased’s “principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed.”
In a statement he personally singed, Tinubu he received the news of the passing of the late nationalist “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.
“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 stood as one of the leading voices in NADECO, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance,” stated.
The president recalled how Adebanjo supported his own political journey, particularly during his 1999 governorship election under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) though he said they later had political differences.
Nevertheless, the president said his respect and admiration for the elder statesman never wavered.
“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country,” the president said.
In his tribute, former President Goodluck Jonathan said in a statement that Adebanjo was a national hero and a relentless crusader for justice who remained dedicated to advocating for a better society until his final days.
Jonathan who described the deceased as a “symbol of courage and resilience” said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Chief Ayo Adebanjo over the passing of the esteemed elder statesman and nationalist, who died at the age of 96.
“Chief Adebanjo was a revered leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, and a national icon who dedicated his life to the service of our nation. He embodied resilience and unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.
“Throughout his life, he championed the cause of the common man, advocating for democracy, good governance, and the rights of all Nigerians. He remained steadfast in his pursuit of a just society until the very end.
“His passing is a profound loss to our nation, as he was a man of unwavering principles, courage, and dedication to the ideals of justice, equity, and unity.
“May God grant his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
For his part, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Adebanjo offered selfless service to his community, nay, state and Nigeria.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president said Adebanjo’s death is not only a loss to him and Ogun State, but also a loss to Nigeria as a country.
“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, 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.
“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,” Obasanjo said.
For the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former vice president, Mr Atiku Abubakar, the deceased elder statesman was formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.
“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.
“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,” Atiku said in a statement.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the pioneer nationalist.
Similarly, Afenifere UK mourned the passing of Adebanjo, describing him as a towering statesman and advocate for justice.
“His departure marks the end of an era—one defined by a lifetime of selfless service, unshakable integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the principles of democracy, equity, and true federalism.
“Pa Adebanjo was a rare breed of leader, one whose clarity of vision and moral courage remained resolute through decades of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. A fearless voice for the people, he stood firmly for the restructuring of the Nigerian nation-state, recognising it as the most viable path to justice, unity, and sustainable development. His unwavering advocacy was not for personal gain but for the collective good of all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
“Beyond politics, Pa Adebanjo embodied the virtues of humility, discipline, and leadership by example. He was a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of wisdom, whose words carried the weight of truth and conviction. He never wavered in his principles, and he never shied away from speaking truth to power, even when it was unpopular or inconvenient.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss not only to the Afenifere family but to all who cherish democracy, justice, and the hope of a better Nigeria. Though we grieve, we take solace in the rich legacy he leaves behind—a blueprint of courage, dedication, and principled leadership,” the group said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Seyi Adefisan; general secretary, Prof Seun Kolade, and member, steering committee, Mrs Bosede Adepoju.
The family of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo also mourned the death of Adebanjo, describing him as an “unrepentant Awoist,” “a moral compass,” “a father figure”, and “a voice of reason.”
The family said this in a statement signed by Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.
The statement reads: “We received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, an unrepentant Awoist and loyal associate of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose peaceful exit occurred today at his home in Lagos. His departure marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last of the generation of pre-independence nationalists who dedicated their lives to the cause of a just and equitable Nigeria.
“Chief Adebanjo’s relationship with our family spanned more than 70 years—a bond forged in trust, loyalty, and shared ideals. In peace and in struggle, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Papa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Yeye Odua H.I.D. Awolowo, embodying their principles with unwavering devotion. Even decades after Papa’s transition, he remained a steadfast champion of his leader’s ideals and of the political family they shared.
“A paragon of integrity and consistency, Chief Adebanjo spent his long years of public service advocating for justice, equity, and the rights of all Nigerians. As a leader of Afenifere, he stood firm against oppression and tyranny, building bridges across regions, religions, and ethnic divides.
“Until his final breath, Chief Adebanjo was unyielding in his call for the restructuring of the Nigerian state along the path of true federalism—a cause he pursued with passion and conviction. His life, marked by courage and service, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
“In his passing, our family has lost a dear friend and confidant. Nigeria has lost a moral compass, a father figure, and a voice of reason. The progressive family he so loved is made poorer by his transition. Yet, we find consolation in knowing that his life of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations to come.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, family, political associates and all who were touched by his exceptional life. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them at this time.
“May his great and gallant soul rest in eternal peace.”
