- Safiu Kehinde
Political bigwigs and notable Nigerian personalities have on Wednesday evening gathered for the night of tribute for late national leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo.
NPO Reported the passing of Adebanjo who reportedly died in his sleep at his Lekki Lagos residence on the 14th of February at the age of 96.
His demise had attracted several tributes from prominent Nigerians with some of them gathering on Wednesday night to mark the begining of his burial ceremony.
In attendance at the event held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, was President Bola Tinubu, who, in his tribute sent to the family, described Adebanjo as one of the last nationalists and independence heroes.
“The nation has lost a political leader whose decades-long struggle for democracy and unity left an indelible mark.
“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and admired the democratic ideals he championed. Though we mourn, we thank God for a purposeful life – 96 years of tireless advocacy for equity and progress.” The President said.
Tinubu lauded Adebanjo as a lawyer, statesman, and a devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He recalled his political journey which began with his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to leading the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic.
The President also hailed the late Afenifere leader’s courage during national crises, especially his leadership during the aftermath of the June 12, 1993, election annulment as a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and national leader of Afenifere, is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dignitaries present at his night of tribute as captured in series of pictures shared on Facebook on Thursday, include 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; popular Nigerian clergyman, Tobi Bakre; and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Also present at the event were Africa Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina and Oby Ezekwesili amongst others.
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