Victor EzejaFormer Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sadness over the demise of Afenifere National Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a fearless freedom fighter, patriot, and elder statesman.
Atiku said Adebanjo is one of the few remaining nationalists who made significant contributions in different eras of governance in Nigeria during his life time, beginning from colonial rule when he was a youth through military dictatorship to the current civilian government.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“I am saddened by the news of the passing away of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists of our country.
“The late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society,” Atiku stated in a statement he personally signed which was made available to Prime Business Africa.
Atiku recalled Adebanjo’s “heroic role” in fighting military dictatorship to enthrone democratic governance in Nigeria.
“It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.”
The former vice president asserted that the Afenifere national leader “was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.”
He further stated that apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists, Adebanjo was “an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches.
“Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists, who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.
“He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction,” Atiku added.
READ ALSO: ‘Ayo Adebanjo Exit: End Of An Era Of A Rare Patriot’
He extended condolences to the Adebanjo family and urged them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race.
He also commiserated with the people and government of Ogun State and prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the pioneer nationalist.
Prime Business Africa had reported that Adebanjo, aged 96, died on Friday, 14 February at his residence in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Adebanjo Made Indelible Mark In Nigeria’s Political History – Tinubu
Earlier in a statement on Friday, Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, expressed sorrow over the passing of Adebanjo, saying that “Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.”
Tinubu said that all who knew Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
The president added that the country will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched the political discourse.
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.
