Victor EzejaThe Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI) has expressed sadness over the demise of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, national leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation.
The group described him as a bridge builder.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by CCDI President, Chief Goddy Uwazurike and Secretary, Steve Nwabuko, the group described Adebanjo as a detribalised Nigerian, an astute politician, a philanthropist, and a man of peace, who belong to “the political school of thought of the legendary and erudite politician, Pa Obafemi Awolowo of the Action Group class of political egalitarianism, equity, justice and good conscience.”
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The Credibility Group said Adebanjo lived out these noble virtues in both his private and public life, remaining a political activist even as a nonagenarian, and was always a strong voice against nepotism and tribalism.
According to the group, Adebanjo as a leader of the Afenifere, “preached and lived unity, fairness, respect for national ethos and values, equality, rule of law, power sharing, election fairness, equity, good governance and respect for ives and dignity.”
The group highlighted his role in founding the Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt Coalition (SN-MBC) which consist of South West, South East, South South and North Central geopolitical zones for the sole purpose of power rotation and and access to national political leadership by all parts of the country.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo stands out as the greatest bridge builder between the South West (Yoruba) and South East (IGBO) peoples since after the civil war in 1970 and remains one of the strongest voices calling for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi kanu from Federal Government unlawful detention.”
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It said his demise is a big loss to the Yoruba race, Ndigbo worldwide, Southern and Middle Belt Coalition and NIgeria generally.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo had wished to see an Igbo become the President of Nigeria in his lifetime and was expecting Mazi Nnamdi kanu to be released from detention in the same manner other treasonable felony cases have been dispensed with either by forgiveness or reversed by state pardon but these never came to happen in his lifetime.
“As we mourn the exit of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Ndigbo Worldwide are saying, whence cometh another bridge builder from the South West to succour us in the manner Pa Ayo Adebanjo did identify with IGBO neglect, derision, deprivation and denigration in Nigeria?”
The Credibility Group extended heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends associates, the Yoruba race and to Nigeria as a whole.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
