President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, state governors, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) were among the prominent individuals and groups thrown into mourning yesterday by the death of Afenifere chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

A statement issued by the family said the elder statesman died peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos yesterday morning.

The statement reads: “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.

“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“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 is consulting with Papa’s friends, associates, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond to fine tune plans for a befitting funeral details which will be communicated in due course.”

Reacting to the death of the elder statesman in a statement yesterday, President Tinubu described it as an immense loss to Nigeria, highlighting his decades-long struggle for justice, democracy and national unity.

The President paid tribute to Adebanjo’s lifelong dedication to progressive ideals, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu recalled Adebanjo’s critical role in Nigeria’s democratic struggles, particularly during periods of political turbulence.

“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,” the President noted.

Adebanjo’s activism was instrumental in galvanizing the movement that ultimately restored civilian rule in Nigeria. His influence extended across generations, shaping political discourse and inspiring democratic engagement.

Adebanjo, a staunch disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was deeply involved in Nigeria’s political evolution, serving as the Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic and later playing a key role in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.

“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,” Tinubu said.

His support for Tinubu’s political journey was also highlighted in the President’s tribute.

“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,” Tinubu recalled.

Though their political paths diverged in later years, Tinubu affirmed that his respect and admiration for Adebanjo never wavered, saying “until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure”.

President Tinubu extended condolences to Pa Adebanjo’s family, the

Afenifere group, Southwest governors, 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,” he said.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Afenifere chieftain, describing it as a significant loss to the nation.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari eulogised Adebanjo as a rare political figure who left a lasting impact across law, politics and socio-cultural activism.

“The late Chief Adebanjo was one of those rare politicians who straddled the worlds of the legal profession, politics and socio-cultural activism,” Buhari remarked.

The former President extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, his admirers, and the government and people of Ogun State.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for those grieving his loss.

In his own tribute, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, described the late Adebanjo as a great man, a committed nationalist, an effective representative of his people and an unpretentious personality.

Obasanjo said: “It was with deep sense of personal loss that I received the sad news of the passing of my beloved friend and senior brother, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, away in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I am currently attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.”

The former President, in the tribute made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, stated that the unfortunate news came to him as a shock, lamenting that his passing was “no doubt, a huge loss not only to me and to Ogun State but also to the country as a whole.

“The unfortunate news came to me as a shock because when last I visited him on February 3, 2025 at his Lekki residence, though he was in such a fragile state, I had no inkling he would leave us so soon.

“His transition is, no doubt, a huge loss not only to me and to Ogun State but also to the country as a whole.  He was a great man, a committed nationalist and an effective representative of his people.

“Looking back, Chief Adebanjo had a highly successful career with selfless service rendered to his community, state and, indeed, the entire nation.

“As a foundation member of the Action Group Party (A.G.), he will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and patriot who has given his best as an active community leader and an exemplary politician with integrity, and one who has demonstrated that politics is an avenue not for mindless enrichment but for rendering faithful service to humanity.”

Obasanjo noted that Adebanjo’s “commitment to enthroning democracy in our dear country, his tenacity in the face of daunting odds and mortal risk to his life is very common knowledge, and these mark him out as a courageous political leader and true patriot.

“Not surprisingly, he had come to be regarded as one of our most notable elder statesmen, who had an enviable track record of purposefulness, honesty and integrity to bear in promoting the cause of national unity.”

The former President recalled that “as a democratically-elected President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, we both sometimes disagreed to agree to committedly regenerate and reposition our country to meet the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people and chart the course to our nation’s glorious future.

“He was such an unpretentious personality! His thoughts, utterances and deeds were completely devoid of political partisanship. He had friends from all over the country and he led a life filled with remarkable experiences.

“Until his death, he fought with courage and tenacity to see to the restructuring of the Nigerian nation through which good governance based on democratic principles and practice and leading to unity in diversity, justice and equity, political stability, nationalism, popular participation, peace and security and socio-economic progress with strong leadership would be enshrined.

“It is unfortunate that his dream to see this through couldn’t be actualised in his lifetime. Indeed, Chief Adebanjo’s contributions to the strengthening of our fledgling democracy will be missed by the entire nation.

“My family and I commiserate with his immediate and extended family members on this painful loss and pray that God will grant them and the rest of us, his friends and admirers, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

The National leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said the deceased chieftain of the association was a patriot par excellence. Fasoranti stated this in a statement he personally issued on Friday. He said the contribution of the late Adebanjo to the attainment of Nigerian independence and democracy would not be erased in the history of the country.

The statement reads: “It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms and political associate for upwards of 70 years.

“His contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria shall remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

“He was an unrelenting ideologue who fought for many noble causes under the auspices of Afenifere where he was once the acting leader.”

Fasoranti added that members of the Afenifere family would greatly miss Adebanjo who, according to him, was “a custodian of positive values that define progressive politics in Nigeria.”

“As a disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, he was committed to the principles of good governance, rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights of Nigerians.

“His advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria was borne out of the conviction that only a truly federal Nigeria, where justice and fairness are supreme, could fulfill the aspirations of the people.

“I pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, expressed sadness over the death of the nonagenarian and Afenifere leader, describing him as old Awo stock in Yorubaland.

The Senator in a release shared on his verified official X handle, stated that Ogun State and the entire Yoruba nation have again lost another icon.

Daniel stated: “It’s sad to hear the news of the passing of one of our great leaders in Afenifere, one of the last Titans, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

“His ability to stand firm on his convictions and his strength of purpose for whatever he believed in was exemplary, as was his legendary oratory power.

“Pa Adebanjo was of the old Awo stock in Yoruba ethos, reminding us every inch of the way about the value of fairness, equity and justice; values for which he fought till his last breath.

“Nigeria shall surely miss his invaluable contributions to our national discourse as we search for true federalism and statehood.

“Ogun State and the entire Yoruba nation have again lost another icon.”

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, said its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, will be remembered for his unwavering advocacy for restructuring, true federalism, and a Nigeria founded on equity and inclusivity for all ethnic nationalities.

Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, made this known in a statement formally announcing the passing of the revered Yoruba leader.

“Afenifere wishes to formally announce the passing, earlier today, February 14, 2025, of our leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, at the age of 96,” Ebiseni stated.

“An avowed Awoist and a staunch advocate of progressive ideology, Ayo Adebanjo was known for his relentless push for restructuring, true federalism, and a Nigeria built on equity, fairness, and a true sense of belonging for all ethnic nationalities.”

Ebiseni further noted that for nearly a decade, Adebanjo had often reminded his followers that at his age, he was already at the “departure lounge”— a phrase he used to prepare them for the continued struggle for a better Nigeria, a cause to which he dedicated his life.

“We will undoubtedly keep the banner flying,” he assured.

Ebiseni added that further statements would be issued as directed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, in consultation with Adebanjo’s immediate family.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the late Afenifere chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as an exemplary patriot.

A statement signed by the spokesperson of the CUPP, Mark Adebayo, said the coalition received the news of Adebanjo’s death with shock and submission to God.

The statement reads: “It is with shock but total submission to the will of God Almighty that the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, received the sudden demise of a great and exemplary patriot, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

“He was a man dedicated to the cause of truth, integrity, justice, fairness and good governance throughout his lifetime.

“He was a completely detribalized Nigerian who stood for justice and what was right at all times, not minding the personal costs or inconvenience to him.

“He stood tall in the Hall of Fame of true and intrepid patriots with uncommon courage, deviance and consistency.

“He will be seriously missed by Nigerians as we continue to navigate the labyrinthine course of interrogating workable panacea for the Nigerian question and its leadership tragedies.

“As we mourn the loss of a great African and Nigerian, we have solace in the fact that he lived a honorable life devoid of compromise with the corrupt elements that hold Nigeria hostage, while standing solid for one, indivisible but a just Nigerian state.

“He came, he saw, he fought, he conquered.

“We express our deepest condolences to his family, the Ogun State Government and all patriotic Nigerians. May his patriotic soul rest in perfect peace.”

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo as the end of a glorious era.

Abiodun, in a statement in Abeokuta yesterday, also described Adebanjo as a man of principle and one of the most prominent and unwavering disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He said Adebanjo’s death was a profound loss to Nigeria.

“The government and people of Ogun could not have wished for a more glorious end for the unblemished apostle of federalism, good governance and the defence of Yoruba interests,” the governor stated.

He said the late Adebanjo stood head and shoulders above many of his contemporaries and set the pace in the critical appraisal of governments and governance as vehicles of social engineering.

“The late legal and political icon was one of the few Nigerians whose life embodied the story of Nigeria, from the struggle for independence to the post-independence era, straddling military rule and the return to democratic rule.

“To all intents and purposes, Chief Ayo Adebanjo represented the finest of Ogun and Nigeria as a whole, and his ideals will never be forgotten.

“It does not matter where you stand in the political terrain: Adebanjo was a man whose integrity you could not question.

“He lived through the finest and ugliest moments of Nigerian history, was hounded by the Establishment for his beliefs, and was even exiled for resisting autocracy and the suppression of the masses.

“He never once hid his identity as a passionate defender of the Yoruba nation and its interests.

“From his activist beginnings in 1943 as a follower of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe to his activities as a member of the youth wing of the Action Group (AG) in 1951, right into the early 60s.

“This was when Awolowo and his lieutenants stood trial for treason, and right into the heady days of the military and the return to civil rule when he actively engaged governments and participated in constitutional conferences to remake the structure, character, and temper of Nigerian federalism.

“Adebanjo never once refrained from being a voice of courage and a force for good. In particular, his strident advocacy for federalism was unmatched.”

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed sadness over the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the late Adebanjo as a statesman who dedicated his life to serving the people.

The Ondo State governor, in a statement, said Pa Adebanjo demonstrated unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, justice and equality in Nigeria.

“His tireless efforts to promote peace, stability and prosperity have left an indelible mark on our country’s history.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

“May they find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens.”

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State likened the death of the prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree in the forest.

Makinde, who said Pa Adebanjo’s death marks the end of an era, commended him for being a great nationalist, federalist, patriot and true democrat, who gave his all for Nigeria to be a better country.

Describing Adebanjo as a father of all, Governor Makinde expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the late Afenifere leader, the Afenifere, the Government and people of Ogun State and the entire South-West people.

Chief Whip of the aborted Third Republic and Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Olawale Oshun, described the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a patriot and a principled man.

His words: “A great man has just passed away. One must give it to him, Baba was a great and principled man; he set his principles and abided by them.

“Pa Adebanjo wasn’t just a politician, because we politicians do change principles midway, but Baba was not like that. He always remained steadfast in the decisions he made.

”Pa Adebanjo believes in the cause and the development of the Yoruba people. But, I dare say that he was one of those who believed in Nigeria among his peers.

“He lived long; the Lord granted him long life. Were he to reincarnate as a Nigerian again, I would prefer to see him focus his attention more on Yoruba issues than on national issues.

“Baba Adebanjo has lived quite well, quite long; he lived till the ripe age of 96. Nobody can wish for a longer life, and he was healthy all through. He was always on his feet; bouncing.

“Baba was never intimidated; he used every ounce of his weight to assert his points.

“He was one of the luckiest human beings created by God because, until his death, the man enjoyed good health.

“Anytime I ask God for a long life, I always ask Him to give me up to 85. If you see Baba at 95, bouncing on his feet, making his point, you want to ask God for 100.

“May God bless his soul and forgive his shortcomings.”

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams, described the death of foremost Afenifere leader and staunch Awoist, the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as a monumental loss, saying the Yoruba leader was an Iroko whose voice remained prominent across Nigeria.

Iba Adams, in a statement signed personally, said the death of the late Pa Adebanjo has created a big vacuum in the socio-political space, depriving the Yoruba of a strong voice that revolves around every circle.

He said: “I received with great shock the news of the death of the foremost Yoruba son, an uncompromised leader, repository of political history in Yoruba land and apostle of true federalism, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

“His death was such a monumental loss, creating a vacuum in socio-political space and depriving the Yoruba of a strong voice in the polity.

“In his death, we have lost a lot, considering his modest lifestyle, wisdom and bluntness.

“Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a true disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who preached the gospel of true federalism, and remained committed to the ideals of the late Awolowo.

“The late Pa Adebanjo was also the man with a lion heart, courageous and blunt. He feared no tribulations and all his life, he was also a symbol of integrity and hard work.”

Referencing his relationship with the late Afenifere leader, Iba Adams said the life of Pa Adebanjo reminded him of the loss of a friend and Baba’s adopted son- the late Yinka Odumakin, and the energy he put up in fighting for justice and fairness in Nigeria.

“When a race loses such a leader and an unapologetic Awoist, a leader that speak truth to power, you can understand the extent of the loss.

“But in all, I find solace in the fact that Baba Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life as a man of integrity and value. He would be glad in the end that he tried his best for the Yoruba.

“For us that are alive, the journey to address the obvious injustice and lacuna in Nigeria has continued even after the death of the late Yoruba leader.

“We will not relent in our efforts to promote the Ideals for which the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived and died for.”

While praying for the soul of the Afenifere leader, Iba Gani Adams condoled with the immediate family of the Yoruba leader, the wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, the children, Afenifere and Yoruba at large.

His Royal Highness, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and the Deputy Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio cultural group, Afenifere, Obao Olaitan has mourned the passing of its leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

Adebanjo died yesterday in his Lagos home after a protracted undisclosed ailment.

Olaitan, who mourned the passing of the sage, said he will miss everything about Adebanjo, described as the last Awoist standing.

“You have to know this man to appreciate him.

“Yes. I had to know him to appreciate him. He’s consistent to a fault.

“And when you are not close to him, you wonder, is this a broken record, just repeating itself? But if you get close to him, you will see that it is not like that.

“Everything he says, he knows, understands, and he knows the import and the importance of it.

 “And he holds himself liable for whatever consequences that will come from whatever he has said. He has spent all his life doing this. He started as an organization secretary.

“I have known him now for about 60 years, and often, I wonder what drives him. A lot of the time, I’d called him to ask why he carried Nigeria’s problems on his head.

“Even on his sick bed, I asked him what he wanted, as he was always asking for development and the state of the nation.

“I noticed that the moment you begin to talk about Nigeria, one life comes into him. I mean, he would suddenly assume strength and he will at the moment become strong.

“Oh, I will miss everything about him.

“Each time I asked that he should pray for me that I would like to be like him, he always laughed and said to me that I should hold on to nothing but the truth, justice and equity.

“Though he would say that path is tough, he kept saying that was what he has always done.

“He often said to me to avoid tempting goodies of life, if those things come against the fight for truthfulness, justice and equity.

“Adebanjo is the last man standing, the true, original, unadulterated Awoist is gone!” the monarch sighed.”