Tinubu
…Akpabio, govs, Obi, others mourn
By Editor
As glowing tributes continue to pour in for the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, from prominent Nigerians and organisations across the globe, his family has given reasons the wife won’t be told about his demise.
Adebanjo, who was 96 years old, died on Friday at his residence in Lagos, 55 days before his 97th birthday. He hailed from Ilarowo Ogbo, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Among those who have commiserated with the family include the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, in 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, his predecessor, Ibikunle Amosun, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Leader, Chief Ayo Opadokun, among many others.
Akpabio, in a statement, said Adebanjo’s principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, would be deeply missed.
He said:”Pa Adebanjo’s glorious exit at the age of 96 marks the end of an era, and as a people, we mourn the loss of a selfless patriot, who dedicated his life to fighting for truth, equity and justice.
“His unwavering commitment to justice and equity has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. His leadership and vision inspired generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us to work towards a more just and equitable society.’’
Also, Obi, in a condolence message on his X handle, described Adebanjo as a leader who remained committed to a united and progressive Nigeria.
“His unwavering commitment to fairness has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history,” Obi said.
Similarly, Opadokun described the late Adebanjo as an accomplished kingmaker adding that many people were groomed under his influence.
He said: “Adebanjo was a man of discipline, courage and industry as he was in the habit of committing himself to anything he had voluntarily associated himself with.”
On his part, Governor Dapo Abiodun described Adebanjo as a “bold, consistent, fearless, principled person who was focused till the end.’’
‘’ His legacies would be forever enduring,” Abiodun added.
On his part, Adams said Yoruba would miss Adebanjo, who he described as a principled leader who did not compromise standards.
He said: “We should thank God that Baba lived a very good life, and he was a very good example for Nigerians.’’
A former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun described the deceased as a courageous fighter and political titan.
His words: “Chief Adebanjo was a respected elder statesman, a champion of democracy, and a proud advocate for the Yoruba people who contributed immensely to the development of Ogun State, the South West region and Nigeria.
“He was a courageous leader with unwavering commitment to democracy, justice and the advancement of the Yoruba people. He left an indelible mark with his tireless efforts to promote peace, unity, stability, and prosperity in our great country.
“I recall the crucial roles played by Chief Adebanjo alongside other eminent leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to end military rule in Nigeria. He was also a voice of reasoning in the advocacy for restructuring and regional autonomy in Nigeria”.
On its part, Anya Ndi-Igbo, a socio-cultural organisation, said the late elder statesman was “a Nigerian leader because his public life guided, inspired, encouraged and influenced fair-minded people towards the common good of all the people of Nigeria.
“He advocated for justice, equity, collaboration and sound judgement. His position cost abrasive challengers who play corner games as central sports but he took them on the chin because he was convinced of the validity of the principles that underpin his positions.”
Meanwhile, Adebanjo’s widow, Christy, was yet to be told of her husband’s demise, Sunday Vanguard was reliably informed.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that Christy has been in the hospital for some time recovering from an illness.
“Mama has not been told the news of Baba’s death because she is also sick. She is in the hospital,”the source said.
When asked whether the news of her husband’s death would be broken to her, the family source said: “They will not break the news to her because of her illness.”
The family described the late politician as a great family man, an irreplaceable community leader and a dependable fighter for the common good of his people.
They noted that the late elder statesman facilitated the construction of roads, schools and hospitals in their community.
Speaking, the Baale of Abariwoye, Ilarowo Ogbo, Chief Samuel Tale, said the death of Adebanjo was an irreplaceable loss to all the 18 communities in the area.
Tale said: “The roads, the schools and hospitals that we have here were facilitated by him. His death is a great loss to us. Nigerians should learn to be forthright, we must prioritise truth above everything to move our nation forward. Baba lived for the truth and that is what we should also learn from his life and time.
