AYO ADEBANJO DEAD AT 96. 9jaglover writes
The Former leader of Afanifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has died after a brief illness. This was disclosed yesterday by his family.
The leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group Afenifere, has sadly passed away at the age of 96.
He died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025.
Adebanjo was a charismatic leader, a foremost nationalist, and a distinguished lawyer who dedicated his life to fighting for truth, equity, and justice in Nigeria.
He is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
The eloquent Leader of Afanifere before his death has been calling for a restructured Nigeria and also a big supporter of the Labour Party presidential candidate peter obi.
Notable Nigerians have mourned the respected leader in the last 24 hours via their respective media platforms especially X handle.
They includes the following;
1. President Tinubu: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as a charismatic leader mourns him with the following official statement.
“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”
2. Peter Obi: Peter Obi the 2023 presidential candidate under Labor Party mourned eulogized him and described him as a great pillar to a new Nigeria.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo: A Life of Service, Justice, and Truth.
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.
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.”
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. -PO”
3. Dele Farotimi: Nigeria lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi mourn him with a very short message on his https://x.com/DeleFarotimi/status/1890405336781123803?t=vjx7inrgTZ11VdgzMvanMw&s=19 handle.
“Good Night Sir..🫂🙏🏿
Chief Ayo Adebanjo (April 10 1928 – February 14 2025)”
4. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour: The 2023 Lagos gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour described him as a fearless voice for truth and justice.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a towering figure in Nigerian politics and a fearless voice for truth and justice. At 96, Pa Adebanjo lived a life of unwavering principles and dedicated service to the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.
As a faithful disciple of the great Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Adebanjo carried forward the torch of progressive leadership, never wavering in his commitment to the ideals of a restructured Nigeria. His courage in speaking truth to power, regardless of personal cost, set him apart as a leader of rare integrity.
Chief Adebanjo’s legacy as a Yoruba leader will be defined not just by his words, but by his consistent actions in putting the collective interest of his people before personal gain. His principled stance on equity and justice served as a moral compass for many of us.
May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his family find comfort in knowing that his contributions to building a better Nigeria will never be forgotten.”.
5: Amnesty International Nigeria: The body remembered how they campaigned for his freedom in the 60s.
“From Our Archives: In 1960’s, Amnesty International campaigned for the release of Ayo Adebanjo — who died yesterday at 96. He was arrested along with Samuel Ikoko and charged with plotting against Late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa:”
6. Nnamdi Kanu: The detained leader of Ipob Mazi Nnamdi kanu described him as a fearless leader and embodiment of truth.
“Today, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instructed me to convey his sorrow for the demise of Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a fearless leader & an embodiment of courage & good conscience who will be sorely missed. He had hoped to meet Chief Adebanjo upon his release.”
