By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow following the death of one of Nigeria’s foremost political leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
In a statement released from the State House, President Tinubu described Pa Adebanjo as a staunch advocate for justice, democracy, and national unity whose contributions left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape. “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,” the statement read.
The late Pa Adebanjo, a devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political evolution. His political journey spanned several key moments in Nigeria’s history, beginning as Organising Secretary of the Action Group during the First Republic and continuing as a leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic.
His contributions were particularly evident during the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Pa Adebanjo was one of the leading voices of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which helped galvanize the movement that ultimately led to the return of civilian governance.
President Tinubu reflected on Pa Adebanjo’s enduring influence on his own political life, noting the elder statesman’s pivotal role in his 1999 gubernatorial campaign, which led to Tinubu’s election as Governor of Lagos State. “His steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy,” Tinubu wrote.
While their political paths diverged in later years, the president recalled their deep personal bond, describing Pa Adebanjo as a father figure. “Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure,” Tinubu said.
The president extended heartfelt condolences to Pa Adebanjo’s family, the Afenifere leadership, governors of the Southwest, and all Nigerians who shared his vision for a better Nigeria. He paid tribute to Pa Adebanjo’s remarkable life of service and expressed hope that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
“May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country,” President Tinubu concluded.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most prominent nationalist and political leaders, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the nation’s political discourse for years to come.