President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reacted to the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, saying Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
President 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.
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.”
According to Adebanjo’s family, Pa Ayo Adebajo transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
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