Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96.
Obasanjo, who is currently attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, described Adebanjo’s death as a personal loss.
In an emotional tribute made available by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo recounted his last visit to Adebanjo’s residence in Lekki, Lagos, on February 3, 2025. He recalled that although Adebanjo appeared fragile, he never imagined that it would be their final meeting.
“The unfortunate news came to me as a shock because when last I visited him on February 3, 2025, at his Lekki residence, though he was in such a fragile state, I had no inkling he would leave us so soon,” Obasanjo said.
He described Adebanjo as “a great man, a committed nationalist, and an effective representative of his people,” adding that his passing was a significant loss not just to Ogun State but to the entire country.
A Bond Beyond Politics
Obasanjo revealed that he fondly called Adebanjo “Egbon Ayo” and shared memories of their political relationship, which included moments of disagreement. He noted that despite their differences, they remained committed to Nigeria’s progress and unity.
“As a democratically-elected President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, we both sometimes disagreed to agree to be committed to regenerate and reposition our country to meet the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people and chart the course to our nation’s glorious future,” Obasanjo said.
He praised Adebanjo’s unpretentious personality, emphasizing that his words and actions were free from political bias. “He had friends from all over the country and he led a life filled with remarkable experiences,” he added.
A Life of National Service
Adebanjo was known for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s restructuring, advocating for good governance grounded in democratic principles, justice, equity, and political stability.
Obasanjo acknowledged Adebanjo’s courage and resilience in championing the cause of restructuring Nigeria to achieve unity in diversity and socio-economic progress.
“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,” Obasanjo stated.
He lamented that Adebanjo did not live to see his dream of a restructured Nigeria come to fruition. “It is unfortunate that his dream to see this through couldn’t be actualised in his lifetime,” he said, adding that his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy would be greatly missed.
Legacy of a Nationalist
Pa Ayo Adebanjo was not just a leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group; he was also a respected elder statesman known for his principled stance on national issues.
Born in 1929, Adebanjo was a close associate of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially in advocating for federalism and regional autonomy.
He was known for his vocal criticism of military rule and his firm support for democracy. Throughout his life, Adebanjo maintained his commitment to justice, fairness, and national unity, gaining him respect across political divides.
Despite his advanced age, Adebanjo remained actively involved in national discourse, consistently speaking out on issues affecting Nigeria’s political stability and progress.
A Personal Loss for Obasanjo
Obasanjo’s tribute to Adebanjo was not just political; it was deeply personal. He expressed his sorrow over the loss of a mentor, friend, and elder brother figure.
“I will undoubtedly miss my amazing and beloved Egbon Ayo, with the hope to continue to hold on to the good and remarkable memories we had together, till we meet to part no more,” he said.
Obasanjo also extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, praying for strength and comfort for them in this difficult time.
Tributes Pour In
As news of Adebanjo’s death spread, tributes poured in from political leaders, cultural groups, and ordinary Nigerians who admired his courage and integrity.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Adebanjo as “a father figure and a patriotic Nigerian whose voice of reason will be sorely missed.”
Similarly, Afenifere described his death as a “monumental loss” to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large, noting that his unwavering commitment to justice and equity was a source of inspiration.
End of an Era
Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political history. He was one of the last surviving associates of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and his contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution will be remembered for generations.
As the nation mourns his passing, Adebanjo’s legacy as a nationalist, democrat, and champion of justice remains indelible in the annals of Nigerian history.
Obasanjo’s emotional tribute serves as a testament to the deep bond they shared, beyond politics, and his words echo the sentiment of a nation bidding farewell to one of its greatest patriots.
