The death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the prominent leader of the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, has sparked a wave of tributes from across Nigeria. Adebanjo, who passed away at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96, was remembered for his decades of unwavering commitment to federalism, democracy, and justice.
President Bola Tinubu expressed his sorrow, describing Adebanjo as “a statesman and politician who stood among the last generation of nationalists who shaped the foundation of Nigeria as a nation.” He further recalled Adebanjo’s “steadfast support” in his 1999 gubernatorial campaign, which was pivotal in his election as Lagos State Governor.
“His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed,” Tinubu said in a statement. “As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also paid tribute, calling Adebanjo “a great man, a committed nationalist, and an unpretentious personality.” Obasanjo lamented the loss, stating that Adebanjo had been “a foundation member of the Action Group Party” and a relentless advocate for the restructuring of Nigeria.
In his condolence, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari praised Adebanjo as a rare politician who navigated “the worlds of the legal profession, politics, and socio-cultural activism.” Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remembered him as “a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.”
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, reflected on Adebanjo’s significant support during his own political journey. “One such person is Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the quintessential Afenifere leader,” Obi wrote, adding that his endorsement was “a testament to his belief in the ideals of equity and inclusiveness.”
Afenifere, the organization Adebanjo led, described him as an “avowed Awoist” committed to “true federalism, equity, and fairness.”
Chief Sola Ebiseni, the group’s General Secretary, noted that Adebanjo had frequently reminded his followers that, despite his age, his dedication to the struggle for a better Nigeria remained unwavering.
Adebanjo’s legacy as a staunch advocate for good governance, human rights, and the protection of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities is honored by political leaders across the country.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State called his passing the “end of a glorious era” and praised him as one of the most prominent disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In a heartfelt statement, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed, “The legacies of Chief Ayo Adebanjo cannot be forgotten because of the positive impacts he made during his lifetime.”
The Obafemi Awolowo Leadership Selection Committee, with which Adebanjo had been closely associated, echoed the sentiment, recalling his “integrity, courage, and an unyielding commitment to justice.”
