Eminent Nigerians gathered in Lagos on Wednesday, for a night of tributes and service of songs in honour of Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo, who died in February at his residence in Lagos.
He died at the age of 96.
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, former commonwealth secretary-general Emeka Anyaoku, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former governors, political leaders and family members were among those who paid tributes to the Yoruba elder statesman, describing his life as one of courage, truth and unwavering service to Nigeria.
Obasanjo, in his tribute, described Adebanjo’s death as “a personal loss,” saying, “His transition is no doubt a huge loss, not only to me, to Ogun State, but also to the country as a whole.
“He was a great man, a committed nationalist. Adebanjo had a highly successful career, with selfless service lent to his community, state, and indeed the entire nation.”
Anyaoku, represented by senior advocate Ikenna Ikoli, said Adebanjo’s death marked “the end of an epoch in the history of Nigeria,” adding, “He must be counted as one of the heroes of Nigeria’s modern democracy.”
Akinwunmi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, called Adebanjo “Nigeria’s gladiator of truth,” while former minister of education Oby Ezekwesili praised his “character, integrity and contentment.”
Peter Obi said, “Baba lived a life of value, cared in detail for the poor in the society.”
Also paying tribute, the new Afenifere leader, Oladipo Olaitan, said, “He was a life only dedicated to truth, equity, and unshaken belief in a better Nigeria – a life of unyielding principle.”
Other notable attendees included former governors Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo, Gbenga Daniel, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Olusegun Osoba, Bode George, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Joe Odumakin and wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.
In his welcome address, chairman of the burial planning committee, Biodun Shobanjo, thanked President Bola Tinubu, South-West governors and the national assembly for their support, describing Adebanjo as a man who “yearned for a great Nigeria built on the foundation of true federalism and egalitarianism.”
Following the tributes, the family of the late leader confirmed the funeral arrangements for the respected elder statesman.
In a statement, the family announced that the funeral and church service would be held on May 3 at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
A thanksgiving service will follow on May 4 at the same venue.
Earlier, a wake was scheduled for May 2 at his country home in Isanya Ogbo, while the night of tributes and service of songs took place on Wednesday at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“The family invites friends, colleagues, political associates, and the general public to join them in paying final respects to a man whose courage, integrity, and unwavering belief in justice left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history,” the statement read.
Sharing insights into his life, the family said, “Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, widely known as Chief Ayo Adebanjo or Pa Ayo Adebanjo, was born on April 10, 1928, in Ogun State. He began his career as a journalist before studying law in the United Kingdom.
“His political journey began in 1943 as a member of the Zikist Movement, before joining the youth wing of the Action Group in 1951, where he became a political disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Throughout his life, Chief Adebanjo remained a fearless advocate for democratic governance, true federalism, and Yoruba interests within the Nigerian federation.”
