Atiku, Nnia Nwodo Mourn Chief Ayo Adebanjo's Demise @ 96
He was an exceptional nationalist whose unwavering commitment to justice and equity stood him out as the hero of the struggle for a greater Nigeria.
... Pa Adebanjo was a fearless freedom fighter, patriot and statesman, Atiku
... He was an exceptional nationalist whose unwavering commitment to justice and equity stood him out as the hero of the struggle for a greater Nigeria.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on Friday, mourned the demise of Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, saying he was a fearless freedom fighter, patriot and statesman.
Atiku mourned as the former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and two- time minister, John Nnia Nwodo, also, described the former Organising Secretary of the defunct Action Group, as a quintessential patriot.
Both Nwodo and Atiku spoke in separate condolence messages to the family of the deceased.
Atiku's message titled, "Pa Adebanjo was a fearless freedom fighter, patriot, and statesman," read, "I am saddened by the news of the passing away of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists of our country. The late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.
"I can vividly recall the heroic role that Pa Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria. He was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship.
"It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.
"I wish to state without equivocation that Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.
"Apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists across different generations, Pa Adebanjo was an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches
"Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists, who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.
"He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction. My profound condolences go to the Adebanjo family. I admonish them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch who they mourn was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race. I also commiserate with the people and government of Ogun State.
"I pray for the peaceful repose of the gentle soul of the pioneer nationalist."
Also, in his own condolence message, Chief Nwodo said, "I got the news of the death of a friend and the leader of the Pan Yoruba body, the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, at the age of 96 years.
"Pa Adebanjo was one of the last sincere patriots whose stand for justice and equity was glaring. He was an exceptional nationalist whose unwavering commitment to justice and equity stood him out as the hero of the struggle for a greater Nigeria.
"I worked closely with him during my tenure as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide from 2017 to 2021, during which I came to appreciate his love for justice and equity as the only basis for a great Nigeria.
"As leaders of ethnic nationalities Pa Adebanjo and the rest of us worked for an egalitarian Nigeria where justice and equity should reign supreme in a restructured Nigeria.
"He was also a courageous man who was never intimidated by any threat or lured by any material inducements for what he believed in. He always stood firm in his conviction guided by his integrity and principles.
"Pa Adebanjo’s undulating and resolute dedication to justice will continue to catalyze the young generation to come for a greater Nigeria.
"Afenifere organization and Nigeria will miss his immense contributions, but we will take solace in the huge legacies he left behind.
"On behalf of my family, I like to pray to God to grant his soul eternal repose and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge demise."
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