General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and several former governors were among the dignitaries present at the commendation service held at the Lekki residence of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, on Sunday.
Since the death of the 96-year-old Yoruba socio-cultural leader, two days ago, his home has been a hub for condolence visits from dignitaries across the nation.
Other prominent figures at the residence on Sunday included Afenifere Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel and Chief Segun Osoba; Senator Femi Okunrounmu; and former Cross River Governor Donald Duke.
Also in attendance were activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, former Lagos Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Take It Back Movement Leader Omoyele Sowore, Afenifere Chieftain Supo Sonibare, Ondo Labour Party Governorship Candidate Sola Ebiseni, Lagos Labour Party Governorship Candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Obidient Movement Interim National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa.
Several attendees took to social media to pay tributes to the late Afenifere leader, whose legacy of advocacy for justice, equity, and democracy was regarded as profound.
Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a father figure and ardent supporter of the Labour Party.
In a condolence message released in Abuja on Sunday, Abure extolled Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals.
“For us in the Labour Party, Pa Ayo Adebanjo was more than a father and a leader. He stood by our party through thick and thin. He was vociferous in his belief in our ideals and never gave up on us until his last moment,” Abure said.
Abure praised Adebanjo’s vision for Nigeria, stating, “He saw the future of Nigeria and gave his all to ensure a nation of equity, justice, and fair play. A fearless advocate for true federalism, he was a product of struggle, fighting tirelessly for democracy and justice.”
Reflecting on Adebanjo’s activism, Abure highlighted his pivotal role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the struggle against military dictatorship and his vocal opposition to electoral injustice in the 2023 presidential election.
Also, renowned lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), described the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a multi-talented legal luminary, a model of decency, and a quintessential gentleman.
In a statement released on Sunday, Babalola expressed shock at the death of the Afenifere leader, likening his loss to the fulfilment of the biblical verse, “There is a time to be born and a time to die.”
He praised Adebanjo as a patriot, mentor, and selfless leader, saying, “He touched countless lives as a lawyer and politician. He was firm, fair, and fearless. His brilliance and dedication to the law and governance will remain indelible in our collective memory.”
Babalola added, “The Nigerian Bar and political space have lost an irreplaceable gem. Pa Adebanjo’s contributions to justice, democracy, and national unity will forever stand him in good stead before the Almighty.”
Similarly, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum described Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a beacon of integrity, justice, and democratic principles.
In a statement signed by Pa Edwin Clark (SMBLF Leader), Senator Azuta-Nbata (Ohanaeze President-General), Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF President-General), Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum President), and Barr. John Nwodo (SMBLF Coordinator), the forum mourned the profound loss of Adebanjo, describing him as a nationalist who dedicated his life to equity, fairness, and good governance.
“His life was a testament to resilience and principled leadership. He endured persecution and threats but never wavered in his fight for justice and democracy,” the statement read.
The forum highlighted Adebanjo’s bold support for a Southeastern presidency in the 2023 elections, emphasizing his prioritization of national unity over ethnic interests.
The SMBLF called on Nigerians to honour Adebanjo’s legacy by continuing his advocacy for justice, democracy, and national unity.
Former House of Representatives member Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye mourned the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as the most vocal advocate for true federalism.
In a statement, Oduyoye said, “Baba was a fearless leader and nationalist who gave his all for a better Nigeria and the emancipation of Yorubaland. He was the loudest voice in the agitation for true federalism and lived his life as a committed Awoist.”
He expressed condolences to Adebanjo’s family, Afenifere, and the Yoruba people, saying, “Baba’s legacy of struggle and leadership will remain an inspiration for generations to come.”
