More tributes pour in for Adebanjo; His life full of unwavering convictions – children

Lagos, Feb. 14, 2025

Chief Bode George, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, and Mr. Akin Osuntokun were among the early mourners at the Lagos residence of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, who passed away on Friday.

The leaders, in separate interviews, spoke to newsmen during their condolence visits to Chief Adebanjo’s Lekki home. They all described the late leader as principled to the end.

This is as children of the late Chief Adebanjo said that their father never sought public approval but remained steadfast in his convictions.

Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo, the late statesman’s first son, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his father never followed the crowd but stayed true to his beliefs.

Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described Adebanjo as a principled leader who will be missed.

“It is his contributions to our nation that will remain in our memories. He ran his race and finished well,” George said.

“Baba Adebanjo was deeply concerned about our nation’s state. His death reminds us that one day, we will also pass. Nothing is permanent,” he added.

George also recalled that Adebanjo, a member of the 2014 Constitutional Conference, constantly urged Nigerian leaders to revisit the conference’s decisions and recommendations.

He noted that Adebanjo, as a First Republic politician, saw the nation’s drift. “We won’t let that die. We’ll continue the battle for justice, fairness, and equity,” George said.

He added, “I’ll miss him for his principles. His advice was invaluable.”

Sen. Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun governor, called Adebanjo’s death the end of an era. “We’ve lost our father. The Yoruba nation has lost a titan,” Daniel said.

“Nigeria has lost its voice of reason. Things will never be the same. At 96, we thank God he lived a good life,” he added.

Daniel described Adebanjo as an icon of hope and pride for the Yoruba nation. He highlighted lessons of honesty, bravery, and standing for one’s beliefs.

Mr. Akin Osuntokun, Director-General of the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, said Adebanjo’s passing left a vacuum difficult to fill.

Osuntokun said, “He was a warrior for any cause he believed in. He never held back when convinced of a position.

“He gave us ample notice. While we mourn him, this is also a celebration of his life,” Osuntokun added.

He urged others to rise to the challenge of filling the void left by Adebanjo and emulate his life of sacrifice.

Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo, reflecting further on the life his departed father lived, said, “Our father was a man of principle. He stood by his word and lived according to his convictions.

“He will be missed for his unwavering stand because he was a man of great integrity.

“He was resolute in his beliefs and never compromised his principles for convenience.

“He paid a high price for his convictions, making personal and family sacrifices,” he said.

“History will judge him kindly for standing firm on his principles, even when they differed from the majority view,” Obafemi added.

Mr. Segun Ayo-Adebanjo, the late statesman’s second son, said Adebanjo was deeply proud of his Yoruba heritage while advocating for Nigeria’s unity.

Segun noted that his father fought for justice, fairness, and equity until his last breath.

“Many described him as detribalised,” he said.

“Everyone knows he passionately defended the Yoruba cause, but that never contradicted his commitment to a united Nigeria based on justice and fairness,” he said.

Segun said Adebanjo left behind a strong example of integrity and justice.

“He lived a worthy life,” he said, adding that his father upheld the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Premier of the old Western Region.

NAN reports that by 8:00 p.m. on Friday, friends and family members were still visiting the Lekki residence of Adebanjo who passed on at 96.