By Abiola Olawale
The pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization, Afenifere, and Nigerians at large have been thrown into a mourning state following the demise of its leader, nationalist and elder-statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
This is as Adebanjo passed away at the age of 96 in his Lekki, Lagos home.
It was learnt that the Afenifere leader and elder-statesman breathed his last peacefully in the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
This was confirmed in a press release issued by the Adebanjo’s family on Friday.
The statement reads in part: “He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96.
“Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and the national leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.”
The family also disclosed that consultations are ongoing with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across Nigeria and beyond to finalise plans for a befitting funeral. Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
The New Diplomat reports Adebanjo was born on April 10, 1928, in Ijebu-Ode, present-day Ogun State, Nigeria.
He had his early education in Ijebu-Ode and later proceeded to Lagos for his secondary education.
Afterwards, he pursued a career in law, training under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who became his political mentor and lifelong influence. Adebanjo qualified as a lawyer in the early 1960s and established his legal practice.
Adebanjo became actively involved in Nigeria’s nationalist struggle in the 1940s and 1950s. As a young politician, he joined the Action Group (AG) led by Obafemi Awolowo, which was the dominant political party in Western Nigeria.
He played a crucial role in the fight for Nigeria’s independence and later in advocating for regional autonomy and the federal structure of government in the First Republic.
In the turbulent post-independence era, Adebanjo was part of the opposition to military rule and consistently campaigned for the restoration of democracy. He was detained several times for his political views, including during the regimes of Generals Yakubu Gowon and Sani Abacha.
