By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex – Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde(Oyo) and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Senator Gbenga Kala and other eminent Nigerians paid their last respect to late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, one of the surviving nonagenarian direct disciples of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as he bade the world final goodbye.
Adebanjo, an elder statesman, politician, and old brigade lawyer, died in Lagos on February 14, 2025, aged 96. His remains were committed to mother earth on Saturday at Isanya Ogbo, his home town in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State amid eulogies from dignatures who described him as a dogged fighter and an unyielding advocate of true federalism.
In his tribute to the late Afenifere leader and NADECO chieftain during the funeral service held in the late Awoist’s honour at St Philip Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Governor Abiodun said Adebanjo was a titan of integrity and justice, and a dogged fighter for true federalism, who was vocal in demanding the best for Nigeria.
Abiodun added that the late Adebanjo was also committed lover of the Yoruba ethnic group, fought for his people and helped revitalized Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group into becoming a potent force in the clamour for regional integration, restructuring, and devolution of powers.
At the funeral which also had in attendance, ex -governors of Ogun State—Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso and Chief Ayo Opadokun, among other dignitaries, Abiodun noted that Adebanjo was a lover of democratic ideals, and reckoned him as one of the few Nigerians who risked their lives fiercely against military dictatorship in Nigeria.
He said that the deceased elder statesman was one of the heroes behind the democratic governance the country savours today.
“Chief Adebanjo was a dogged fighter for true federalism. He persistently argued that Nigeria’s over-centralised system of government bred economic imbalance and ethnic tension.
“Under his leadership, Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, was revitalised, becoming a potent force with democratic wisdom pushing for regional integration, restructuring, and devolution of powers.
“Beyond politics, he was deeply committed to preserving the rich Yoruba culture. He denounced nepotism, corruption, and impunity whenever they reared their ugly heads, becoming a moral compass for all.
“As Nigeria continues its walk towards democratic consolidation, the life of Chief Ayo Adebanjo remains a timeless blueprint for Nigeria—one defined by courage, conviction, and unbending integrity.
“His ideals will continue to live on in the hearts of millions, and his contributions shall serve as a path to building a just, united, and truly federal Nigeria,” Abiodun said.
In his homily, the Archbishop of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Church and Bishop of the Remo Diocese, Bishop Olusina Fape called a life of purpose and selflessness from Nigerians, especially the nation’s leaders, just like Chief Adebanjo lived.
Bishop Fape harped on the need for one to utilise the gift of life for service of God and humanity before the end beckons as he delivered his sermon captioned, “The Purpose of a Glorious Life.”
Anchoring it on the gospel of John 18: 37-38, Bishop Fape said that death is an inevitable end for every mortal and stressed the importance of living a purposeful life on earth while it lasts
The Bishop said Jesus lived a life of purpose by fulfilling God’s mission to save mankind, adding that in the same vein, it could be said of Adebanjo, whom he noted was a fearless advocate of democracy, good governance, justice, equity, and fairness in his life time.
He charged the country’s leaders to emulate the late nationalist and foremost Yoruba leader, expressing the confidence that Nigeria would farewell when both leaders and citizens demonstrate more selflessness and commitment to nation building.
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