President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, saying it comes with profound sorrow.
He lamented that 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.
The family disclosed that Pa Adebanjo transitioned
peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
Tinubu said all who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his
boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned
for.
The Nigerian President described the late Adebanjo as
principled, which resonated through decades of political activism.
He said he would be deeply missed. “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”.
According to Tinubu, Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and
politician, Pa Ayo 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 June
12, 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,”Tinubu penned down in a touching condolence message he wrote on
Friday.
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