•Late Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Exactly 55 days to his 96th birthday, Elder statesman and Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, passed on, yesterday.
Born on April 10, 1928, the frontline nationalist and one of the remaining first-generation Awoists, died fighting for true federalism, resource control and restructuring, reports Saturday Vanguard.
A lover of equity, justice and fairness, Adebanjo died on Valentine’s Day after battling ill health for a while.
A family source disclosed that before his death, the late Afenifere leader had been sick for a while.
The source further explained that despite his ill health, there were hopes that Pa Adebanjo would overcome his health challenges.
The source further disclosed that at a point in time, the Afenifere leader and National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, chieftain stopped eating and took only liquid substances.
“He had been sick for some time but we have been managing it. At a point in time, he stopped eating but only took liquid. He died peacefully in his sleep,” the family member said.
Remembered for his principled stand on issues, some of his last battles include the implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 national confab and ensuring that the South-East via Mr Peter Obi produced the president after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023 to ensure equity, and harmony in the country.
Pa Adebanjo’s demise elicited tears in the polity, yesterday. Those who mourned and eulogised him included President Bola Tinubu, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo Buhari and Good luck Jonathan, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).
Chief Reuben Fasoranti, The Afenifere, The Patriots, Iba Gani Adams, and Chief Akin Osuntokun and Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF among others also mourned.
He died fighting for truth — Children
Announcing his death, his children in a statement said Adebanjo died on the morning of Friday, February 14, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the statement reads.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 family said discussions about the funeral are ongoing, adding that arrangements will be announced in due course. The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
Adebanjo, a lawyer by profession, was organising secretary of the Action Group, AG.
Left to mourn him are Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, his 94-year-old wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grand children.
