National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Abiodun eulogized Adebanjo as a principled leader and one of the most unwavering disciples of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He noted that Adebanjo’s death at the age of 96 in his Lagos residence marked a profound loss for Ogun State and the nation at large.
“The government and people of Ogun State could not have wished for a more glorious exit for this unblemished apostle of federalism, good governance, and the defense of Yoruba interests,” Abiodun said.
Describing him as a fearless advocate for democracy, the governor highlighted Adebanjo’s contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution, from the independence struggle to the fight against military dictatorship and the return to democracy.
“It does not matter where you stand in politics; Adebanjo was a man whose integrity could not be questioned. He lived through Nigeria’s finest and most turbulent moments, was persecuted for his beliefs, and even went into exile for resisting autocracy,” he remarked.
Abiodun recalled Adebanjo’s early activism in the 1940s as a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, his role in the Action Group’s youth wing, and his involvement in constitutional conferences to reshape Nigerian federalism. He described him as a voice of courage whose advocacy for true federalism was unmatched.
“We are still coming to terms with this painful loss, but we remain grateful to God for blessing Ogun State with such a gem. Chief Adebanjo’s ideals will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Abiodun concluded.
