Nigeria has lost one of its most prominent elder statesmen, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere. Adebanjo passed away on Thursday at his Lagos residence after battling a prolonged illness. He was 96.
His death has drawn tributes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Olusegun Obasanjo, governors, political groups, and the Afenifere leadership, all acknowledging his towering legacy of advocacy, democracy, and good governance.
Tinubu: Adebanjo Was a Nationalist Who Shaped Nigeria’s Foundation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Adebanjo as one of the last of Nigeria’s nationalists who played a key role in shaping the country’s foundation. He acknowledged the late elder statesman’s role in his own political journey, recalling how Adebanjo’s support was crucial in his emergence as Lagos State Governor in 1999.
“Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independence heroes who shaped the foundation of our country,” Tinubu said.
Despite their political differences in later years, Tinubu affirmed that his respect and admiration for Adebanjo never wavered.
“Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure,” Tinubu stated.
The President extended condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the Afenifere group, Southwest governors, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
“Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” he added.
Buhari: Adebanjo’s Death Is a Great National Loss
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also paid tribute, calling Adebanjo’s passing an immense national loss.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari described the late statesman as a rare political figure who left a lasting impact on law, politics, and socio-cultural activism.
“The late Chief Adebanjo was one of those rare politicians who straddled the worlds of the legal profession, politics, and socio-cultural activism,” Buhari said.
He extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, his admirers, and the Ogun State Government, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Obasanjo: A Huge Personal Loss
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, reacting from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, described Adebanjo’s death as a huge personal loss.
Obasanjo recalled his last visit to Adebanjo on February 3, 2025, at his Lekki residence.
“Though he was in a fragile state, I had no inkling he would leave us so soon,” he said.
He praised Adebanjo as a committed nationalist, an exemplary politician, and an advocate for restructuring, noting that he believed only a truly federal system anchored on justice and equity could fulfill Nigerians’ aspirations.
Afenifere: Why We’ll Always Remember Him
Afenifere, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, described Adebanjo as an unrelenting ideologue who fought for noble causes under the group and remained committed to progressive values.
“Afenifere wishes to formally announce the passing, earlier today, February 14, 2025, of our leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, at the age of 96,” Ebiseni stated.
“Ayo Adebanjo was known for his relentless push for restructuring, true federalism, and a Nigeria built on equity, fairness, and a true sense of belonging for all ethnic nationalities.”
He recalled that for nearly a decade, Adebanjo often reminded his followers that he was already at the “departure lounge,” preparing them for the continued struggle for a better Nigeria.
“We will undoubtedly keep the banner flying,” he assured.
CUPP: Adebanjo Was an Exemplary Patriot
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described Adebanjo as an exemplary patriot who stood for truth, justice, and fairness.
A statement signed by CUPP spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, noted:
“He was a completely detribalized Nigerian who stood for justice at all times, not minding the personal costs or inconvenience to him.”
“He will be seriously missed by Nigerians as we continue to navigate the labyrinthine course of interrogating workable panacea for the Nigerian question and its leadership tragedies.”
Abiodun: It’s the End of a Glorious Era
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun mourned Adebanjo, describing his passing as the end of a glorious era.
“The government and people of Ogun could not have wished for a more glorious end for the unblemished apostle of federalism, good governance, and the defense of Yoruba interests,” Abiodun stated.
He noted that Adebanjo lived through Nigeria’s finest and most challenging moments, standing firm for democracy, Yoruba interests, and federalism.
Aiyedatiwa: A True Statesman
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Adebanjo as a statesman who dedicated his life to serving the people.
“His tireless efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity have left an indelible mark on our country’s history,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
Makinde: An Iroko Has Fallen
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, likened Adebanjo’s death to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree.
Makinde praised Adebanjo as a great nationalist, federalist, patriot, and true democrat, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth will not be forgotten.
Gani Adams: Yoruba Lost an Iroko
The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams, described the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo as a monumental loss, saying the Yoruba leader was an Iroko whose voice remained prominent across Nigeria.
In a personally signed statement, Adams lamented the vacuum Adebanjo’s death has created in the socio-political space.
“I received with great shock the news of the death of the foremost Yoruba son, an uncompromised leader, repository of political history in Yorubaland, and apostle of true federalism, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Adams said.
“His death was such a monumental loss, creating a vacuum in the socio-political space and depriving the Yoruba of a strong voice in the polity.”
Adams described Adebanjo as a true disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who remained committed to the ideals of federalism, justice, and fairness.
“The late Pa Adebanjo was a man with a lion’s heart—courageous and blunt. He feared no tribulations and was a symbol of integrity and hard work.”
Referencing his relationship with Adebanjo, Adams said the loss reminded him of the late Yinka Odumakin, another advocate for Yoruba self-determination.
“When a race loses such a leader—an unapologetic Awoist, a leader who speaks truth to power—you can understand the extent of the loss,” Adams added.
He, however, expressed comfort in knowing that Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life.
“For us who are alive, the journey to address the obvious injustice and lacuna in Nigeria continues even after the death of the late Yoruba leader.”
He prayed for the late Afenifere leader’s soul and extended condolences to his immediate family, his wife Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, his children, Afenifere, and the entire Yoruba nation.
