Victor Ezeja
Elder statesman and national leader of the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has passed on. Adebanjo, 96, died on Friday, 14 February, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by his family, which said he died peacefully.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo,” part of a statement issued by the family read.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96.
“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, an apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of Action Group, and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, 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.
“A condolence register is open at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode Ogun State.”
The statement further said the family is consulting with friends and associates and various interest groups across Nigeria and beyond, to come up with plans for a befitting funeral, adding that the details will be communicated in due course.
The elder statesman began his political journey in 1943 as a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe before joining the Action Group in 1951.
The Afenifere chieftain was also a mentee and political disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Adebanjo was initially a journalist before studying law in the United Kingdom. After completing his studies, he was called to the English Bar in 1961.
However, in 1951, he became a member of the Action Group youth wing and later became the organising secretary of the party.
The deceased fled to Ghana in 1962 following Awolowo’s treasonable felony trial and was charged alongside 30 others.
He was arrested and detained multiple times for his political stance and activism.
Adebanjo played a major role in the National Democratic Coalition protests following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
He was a leading voice in the call for Nigeria’s restructuring and regional autonomy.
The late lawyer was a member of both the 1978 Constituent Assembly and the 2014 National Political Conference.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
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