President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have mourned the death of elder statesman, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, which happened on Friday. The chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere was 96 years old last 10 April.
According to his family, Adebano transitioned peacefully at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
In a message he personally signed, President Tinubu said that Nigeria had 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’.
The President said that Adebanjo’s principled voice ‘resonated through decades of political activism’, adding that that would ‘be deeply missed’.
He further said: ‘As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse. Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life — 96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.
‘All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
‘Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.
‘A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
‘In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.
‘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.
‘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.
‘I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
‘Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
‘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 family’s statement announcing the transition of the elder statesman was jointly signed by his children — Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
It read: ‘With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.
‘He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria home at the age of 96.
‘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’.
Atiku expressed deep sorrow over Adebanjo’s passing, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria.
In a statement signed on Friday, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, lauded the late Afenifere leader for his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and good governance, noting that he was one of the last remaining nationalists who dedicated his life to the progress of the country.
\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’, Atiku said.
He described Adebanjo as a ‘formidable force and a fearless fighter” who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
‘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’.
Atiku highlighted Adebanjo’s lifelong struggle for justice, stating that his activism spanned several generations.
‘It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against the colonial rule; spent his middle age fighting against military dictatorship, and his latter days ensuring that good governance, rule of law, and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria’.
Beyond his political activism, Atiku noted that Adebanjo was a mentor to many civil rights advocates and a bridge builder who remained committed to fighting oppression until his last days.
‘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’, Atiku said.
The former Vice President extended his condolences to the Adebanjo family, urging them to find solace in the legacy their patriarch left behind.
‘My profound condolences go to the Adebanjo family. I admonish them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch whom they mourn was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race’, he stated.
He also sympathised with the people and government of Ogun State over the passing of their illustrious son and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late nationalists.
‘Adebanjo, a respected voice in Nigeria’s political landscape, was known for his principled stance on national issues and his advocacy for true federalism. His passing marks the end of an era for progressive activism in the country’, Atiku further said.
The Adebanjo family disclosed that consultations are ongoing with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across the country and beyond to finalise plans for a befitting funeral.
According to the statement, details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course, adding that a condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The former organising secretary of the Action Group is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
