Despite Afenifere headed by Pa Ayo Adebanjo kicking against Bola Ahmed Tinubu for President in 2023, Tinubu said Nigeria has lost a political leader, Adebanjo whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy and national unity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Tinubu in a condolence message he signed said he received the news of the passing of the Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo with profound sorrow.
Recall that the statesman’s Afenifere supported the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in 2023,
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Aged 96, Pa Adebanjo transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
The President said as a nation, Nigeria will miss Pa Adebanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched the national 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.
“His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism will be deeply missed.”
The President said Pa Adebanjo’s “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.
The Nigerian Leader noted that though his political paths diverged from Pa Adebanjo’s in later years, his 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.
“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
“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.”
President Tinubu lauded the efforts of the Afenifere leader in moments of national crisis adding that his courage shone brightest when democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“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.”
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s 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.”
Obi mourns Adebanjo
Meanwhile, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, Obi extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family and the Afenifere organisation, calling his death “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,” Obi stated.
Obi reflected on his personal relationship with Adebanjo, noting the impact the elder statesman had on his political journey.
He recalled the support he received from the Afenifere leader during his presidential campaign, describing Adebanjo’s endorsement as more than just a political gesture.
“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,” Obi said.
He also recounted his last conversation with Adebanjo, in which the late leader advised him to “always stand on the path of justice.”
Obi said those words remain a guiding principle in his life.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Obi said his association with Adebanjo reinforced his appreciation for independent thinkers.
“I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles,” he added.
As Nigerians mourn Adebanjo’s passing, Obi called on the nation to celebrate his life of service and uphold the values he 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,” he said.
Afenifere reacts
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, on Friday said it received the death of its leader, Ayo Adebanjo, with great shock.
In his initial reaction, Mr Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Adebanjo died on Friday morning.
Ajayi said: “We actually received the news of the passing into glory of Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo with great shock.
“He lived to the ripe old age of 96, quite all right, but given his contributions to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and of course, to our organisation, Afenifere, he would be greatly missed.
“We value his contributions and we mourn his loss and pray for the repose of his soul. Yes, He will be remembered as an outstanding person.
“He was very patriotic and very committed . Whatever cause Adebanjo believed in, he put all he had into it.”
The deceased family announced “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.
“A condolence register is open at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode Ogun State.”
