Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; immediate-past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi; Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; and his counterparts from Lagos and Oyo States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Makinde, respectively, were among the dignitaries who bid farewell to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, during his burial on Saturday, at Isanya Ogbo in Odogbolu Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State.

Others present were the former governors of the state, Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun; the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso; the former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, among others.

Adebanjo, a lawyer, politician, statesman and one of the last-standing associates of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died in Lagos on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.

Governor Abiodun, who paid tribute to the late nationalist during the funeral service held at St Philip Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, his hometown, described him as a titan of integrity and justice, and a dogged fighter for true federalism who always wanted the best for Nigeria.

Abiodun noted that Adebanjo was a lover of democratic ideals, and one of the few who risked their lives fiercely opposing military dictatorship.

He described him as one of the heroes behind the democratic governance the country now enjoys.

The governor explained that: “Chief Adebanjo was a dogged fighter of true federalism. He persistently argued that Nigeria’s over-centralised system of government bred economic imbalance and ethnic tension

“Under his leadership, Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba socio-political group was revitalised becoming a potent force with democratic wisdom pushing for regional integration, restructuring and devolution of powers.

“Beyond politics, he was deeply committed to preserving the rich Yoruba culture, he denounced nepotism, corruption and impunity whenever they rear up their ugly heads and became a moral compass for all.

“As Nigeria continues his walk towards democratic consolidation, the life of Chief Ayo Adebanjo remains a timeless blueprint for Nigeria, one defined by courage, conviction and unbending integrity.

“His ideals will continue to live on in the hearts of millions and his contributions shall continue to serve as a path to building a just, united and truly federal Nigeria,” the governor explained.

Ministering at the church service, the Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province of Anglican Church and Bishop of Remo Diocese, Bishop Micheal Fape urged the people to live a life of purpose and selflessness just like Adebanjo.

Bishop Fape who spoke on “the purpose of a glorious life” and took his sermon from John 18 vs 37-38, explained that death was what every mortal would taste at one point or the other.

He said that what would then be of paramount importance was what each individual was able to do with the gift of life before the end would come knocking.

Fape said that Jesus Christ lived a life of purpose as he came to this world to declare the purpose of God which is to save mankind.

The cleric said that same could also be said of Adebanjo whom he described as a fearless advocate of democracy, good governance, justice, equity and fairness.

Fape urged leaders across all levels of government to emulate the late nationalist and foremost Yoruba leader, saying that the situation of the country would be a lot better if the leaders and the led could be more selfless and work for the greatness of the country.

Also, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference in honour of Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark.

George made the appeal at a media briefing in Lagos on Friday.

Adebanjo, the late leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, who died at 96 on February 14, was buried on Saturday in Ogun State.

Similarly, Clark, the late Niger Delta leader, who died at 97 on February 17, will be buried on May 13 in Delta State.

Both deceased nationalists were said to have inspired and participated in the 2014 Constitutional Conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking on how to immortalise the duo, George said the best way to honour them was to release and implement the resolutions into which they invested all their life’s experience, in the national interest.

The retired naval commodore and former military governor of Ondo State said he had become closer to Adebanjo and Clark during the Confab, having worked with them in the same sub-committee on what constitutional system should be adopted.

George said: “Mr President, I am appealing to you today, May 2 to release the report of the 2014 Confab for the benefit of the people of this country, in memory of the two old men, to immortalise their names.

“These people (Adebanjo, Clark, and other elder statesmen) are crying to Tinubu to release and implement that report.

“The report was unanimously agreed upon at the plenary session by the delegates. That is where we can achieve peace.

“When I saw all the work — the contributions of these two elders — and look at it, they died three days apart, I am not afraid to say we are going to take over from where they stopped.”

According to him, it has become imperative for the nation to revisit the report now that the ship of state appears to be drifting in terms of the economy, politics, security, and other areas.

He added that the current system and constitution had become incapable of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

The elder statesman said implementing the Confab resolutions would help resolve numerous challenges facing the country, including corruption, nepotism, sectionalism, and poverty.

Speaking on security and economic challenges, George urged the President not to relent in tackling hardship and security threats.

He said there was also an urgent need to reform the electoral process so elections reflect the will of the people.

On recent defections of some PDP bigwigs to the ruling APC, the PDP chieftain noted that he was yet to understand what genuinely attracted the defectors to the APC.

However, he said there was an urgent need to resolve all internal crises in the PDP to rebuild confidence in the party.

James Sowole and Segun James

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