Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others lead tributes for Afenifere leader Pa Adebanjo

President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of the elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, saying his principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed.

The President in a tribute he personally wrote said that the nation will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse.

President Tinubu’s tribute read: “I received the news of the passing of one of the Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow. 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.

“According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.

“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.

“His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will 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.

“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 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.”

Peter Obi wrote:

Pa Ayo Adebanjo: A Life of Service, Justice, and Truth.

My family and the Obidient Movement got the shocking news of the passing on of our dear father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who was a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the Afenifere organization.

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

One thing my political journey in life taught me, for which I am eternally grateful to God is bringing me close to a few great minds who helped to shape my perception of this land as a great country. One such person 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.

The last time I spoke with him, his words left a lasting impression: “Always stand on the path of justice.” That advice remains a guiding principle in my life, and I reaffirm my commitment to upholding it in honour of his memory. In my association with Pa Adebanjo, I come to appreciate Nelson Mandela’s words, “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”

As we mourn his departure, let us also celebrate a life well-lived in service to humanity and commit ourselves to upholding the values he so passionately championed.

May his death not be in vain. Instead, let it serve as a renewed call to action for all who believe in justice and fairness. As we extend our condolences to his immediate family and the Afenifere organization, may we find solace in the enduring impact of his remarkable life. -PO

Atiku Abubakar wrote;

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.

The late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.

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.

I wish to state 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.

I pray for the peaceful repose of the gentle soul of the pioneer nationalist. -AA