Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said that Nigeria has lost a great leader as he mourns the passing of elder statesman and renowned Afenifere leader Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, who died on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lagos.
In a personally signed statement on Friday night , Fayemi described Adebanjo as a man who spent his life committed to fairness and democratic ideals in the face of adversity.
Noting that the demise of Pa Adebanjo who died at the age of 96 years is a great loss not only to the Yoruba nation but to Nigeria as a whole, he described the deceased as a man who spent his life committed to fairness and democratic ideals in the face of adversity.
His words: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, foremost nationalist and leader of Afenifere. This is a great loss not only for the Yoruba nation but Nigeria as a whole. Pa Adebanjo was a true icon of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, an unwavering advocate of justice and a pillar of progressives politics in Nigeria.
“Baba was more than a political leader; he was a moral compass who never wavered in his convictions. As a committed nationalist and a leading voice in Afenifere, he stood for fairness, justice and the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure a more equitable society. His principled courage, wisdom, and steadfastness in speaking truth to power made him an enduring figure in our national political landscape.” he said.
Fayemi further said that “while we grieve his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived, dedicated to the pursuit of a better Nigeria. His legacy will remain an inspiration for those of us who believe in the principles he championed”.
The former governor extended his deepest condolences to his family, the Yoruba nation, the Afenifere leadership, and all Nigerians who are beneficiaries of his leadership and goodwill.”
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, foremost nationalist and leader of Afenifere. This is a great loss not only for the Yoruba nation but for Nigeria as a whole.
“Pa Adebanjo was a true icon of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, an unwavering advocate of justice, and a pillar of progressive politics in Nigeria. Baba was more than a political leader; he was a moral compass who never wavered in his convictions.
“As a committed nationalist and a leading voice in Afenifere, he stood for fairness, justice and the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure a more equitable society. His principled courage, wisdom, and steadfastness in speaking truth to power made him an enduring figure in our national political landscape.”
Fayemi said, “On behalf of my wife, whom he specially adored and the rest of our family, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Yoruba nation, the Afenifere leadership, and all Nigerians who are beneficiaries of his leadership and goodwill.”
