Ezekwesili, Atiku, Mourn Afenifere Leader

● I’m eternally grateful to him – Peter Obi

By PHC Telegraph

Nigerians all over the world are mourning the death of a notable elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent activist and leader of the pan Yoruba movement, Afenifere.

They include Oby Ezekwesili, Chief Executive Officer at Human Capital Africa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, one-time Vice President of Nigeria and Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Describing Chief Adebanjo  as the “Last of the Mohicans”, Oby Ezekwesili who took to her official handle on “X” said Nigeria has lost a true man of honour who “stayed honorable unto death in a country where many now think that it is possible to be honorable.”

Ezekwesili remarked, “God shall surely comfort all, give peace and remind us all of reasons we must be grateful for the phenomenal Gift that was Chief Ayo Adebanjo.”

She consoled members of the immediate family and others whose lives he touched, saying “Mommy Adebanjo, my beloved sister, Deola Azeez, siblings, grandchildren and great grandchildren, families far and wide will deeply grieve the passing of a man who personified Character in all his ways.”

“I am saddened by the news of the passing away of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists of our country”, Vice President Atiku Abubakar wrote on “X”

Atiku noted that the late leader of Afenifere was indeed “a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.

Acknowledging the place of Pa Adebanjo in history, Atiku 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.”

Atiku stated 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”, the former presidential candidate of the PDP stated.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of  the Labour Party  who had the support of Afenifere in the 2023 elections equally took to X to pay tribute to Pa Adebanjo.

“His death is a profound loss to Nigeria and to all who cherish justice, equity, and truth”, Obi wrote.

“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 remarked.

The LP leader recalled that one of the things that his political journey has done for him is that it brought him  “close to a few great minds” who helped to shape his “perception of this land as a great country.”

“One such person”, according to him, “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.”

Pa Adebanjo was aged 96 at the time of his death.