Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the late leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as a fearless nationalist and a staunch advocate of democracy whose contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape remain indelible.
Obasanjo, in a statement issued by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Friday, said Adebanjo’s passing was a huge loss to Ogun State, the Yoruba nation, and the country at large.
Adebanjo, a renowned elder statesman and political icon, died at the age of 96.
Reacting to the news from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, Obasanjo said he was shocked by Adebanjo’s demise, recalling that he last visited him at his Lekki residence on February 3, 2025.
Obasanjo said, “The unfortunate news came as a shock because, though he was frail, I had no inkling that he would leave us so soon.
“His transition is, no doubt, a huge loss—not only to me and Ogun State but to the entire nation. He was a great man, a committed nationalist, and an effective representative of his people.”
Obasanjo eulogized Adebanjo’s legacy as a founding member of the Action Group, noting that he remained a principled politician who prioritized service over personal enrichment.
“He will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and patriot who gave his best as an active community leader and an exemplary politician. He demonstrated that politics is not for self-aggrandizement but for rendering faithful service to humanity,” the former president said.
Obasanjo also praised Adebanjo’s relentless push for restructuring and good governance in Nigeria, emphasizing his courage in the face of political adversity.
“Adebanjo’s commitment to enthroning democracy in our dear country and his tenacity in the face of daunting odds and mortal risks mark him out as a courageous political leader and true patriot,” he noted.
Reflecting on their political engagements, Obasanjo admitted that while he and Adebanjo often had differing views, they shared a common goal of repositioning Nigeria.
“As a democratically elected president between 1999 and 2007, we sometimes agreed to disagree in our collective efforts to regenerate and reposition our country to meet the aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He described Adebanjo as an unpretentious and principled leader whose thoughts and actions transcended political partisanship.
Until his death, Adebanjo remained an ardent advocate of restructuring, believing it was the key to fostering justice, equity, political stability, and national development.
“It is unfortunate that his dream of restructuring Nigeria could not be realized in his lifetime,”
“Indeed, Chief Adebanjo’s contributions to the strengthening of our democracy will be sorely missed,” Obasanjo lamented.
Commiserating with Adebanjo’s family, friends, and associates, Obasanjo prayed for the repose of his soul and strength for those left behind.
He stated, “My family and I commiserate with his immediate and extended family members on this painful loss and pray that God grants them and the rest of us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“I will undoubtedly miss my beloved Egbon Ayo, but I hold on to the good and remarkable memories we shared until we meet again.”
