President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a political icon whose impact on Nigeria’s democratic journey remains indelible.
In a statement issued on Friday, Tinubu acknowledged Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and national unity, noting that his voice had shaped political discourse for decades.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Adebanjo, a respected nationalist and statesman, passed away peacefully at his home in Lekki, Lagos, at the age of 96, according to his family.
Reflecting on his contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape, Tinubu highlighted Adebanjo’s role in various political movements, including his service as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic and his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
The President particularly praised Adebanjo’s courage during Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, recalling his key role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. He stood firm against military dictatorship and helped galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance,” Tinubu stated.
Acknowledging their shared political history, Tinubu noted that Adebanjo’s unwavering support was instrumental in his own election as Governor of Lagos State in 1999 under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) platform.
“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,” Tinubu added.
The President extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the Afenifere group, Southwest governors, and all Nigerians who believed in his vision for a just and progressive nation.
“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,” Tinubu concluded.
