Peter Obi: What Ayo Adebanjo told me at our last meeting

Labour Party (LP)’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that  Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere’s late leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, at his last meeting with him, gave him some words of advice that have left a lasting impression on him, and that remain a guiding principle in his life.

Mr. Obi, who enjoyed Pa Adebanjo’s unalloyed support during his presidential race, said that the prominent Yoruba leader told him to “Always stand on the path of justice.” Obi, reacting to the demise of the elder statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the charge of Chief Adebanjo ” in honour of his memory.”

Chief Adebanjo passed on, Friday, at 96 and leaders from across the country and beyond have been paying tribute to his sterling qualities, especially his integrity, patriotism and commitment to national unity.

In his tribute to the statesman on his X (former Twitter) platform, Mr. Obi acknowledged that the departed Patriarch “was a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria,” stressing that his death “is a profound loss to Nigeria and to all who cherish justice, equity, and truth.

“As the leader of Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo remained a steadfast advocate for a united and progressive Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to fairness and his relentless pursuit of a better nation have left an indelible mark on our country’s history.

“One thing my political journey in life taught me, for which I am eternally grateful to God is bringing me close to a few great minds who helped to shape my perception of this land as a great country. One such person is Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the quintessential Afenifere leader.

“I remain deeply grateful for his support during my presidential campaign. His endorsement was not merely a political gesture but a testament to his belief in the ideals of equity and inclusiveness. He stood firm in his convictions against all odds demonstrating his dedication to the greater good of Nigeria.”

Obi, who said that Pa Adebanjo’s passage came to his family and the Obidient Movement as a shock, noted further that through his association with Adebanjo, he came to appreciate Nelson Mandela’s words: “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”

The Labour Party leader pointed out that as the nation mourns Adebanjo’s departure, “let us also celebrate a life well-lived in service to humanity and commit ourselves to upholding the values he so passionately championed. May his death not be in vain. Instead, let it serve as a renewed call to action for all who believe in justice and fairness.”

He extend condolences to Pa Adebanjo’s immediate family and the Afenifere organization, and prayed that “we find solace in the enduring impact of his remarkable life.”