Victor Ezeja
The Patriots, an eminent group of leaders of thought, statesmen and women in Nigeria said it has received with a heavy heart, the news of the death of Ayo Adebanjo, national leader of Afenifere.
Adebanjo, aged 96, died on Friday, 14 February at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Patriots, led by former Secretary General of the Common Wealth, Chief Emeka Anyoku, said it is proud to be associated with the exemplary life lived by Adebanjo who was a leading light and one of the founders of the group.
In a statement signed by The Patriots Secretary General, Wale Okuniyi, the group, said Adebanjo has left remarkable legacies which it would immortalise.
The group described Adebanjo as a progressive politician who was forthright and consistent in speaking truth to power in his lifetime.
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The group highlighted his roles in politics right from the 1940s when he was the organising secretary of the Action Group (AG) and the formation of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), all under the leadership of late nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
It also stated that Adebanjo was one of the key Leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which was at the forefront of the struggle against military rule in Nigeria under the leadership of Chief Anthony Enahoro.
It also mentioned that the nonagenarian made invaluable contributions towards the formation of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) led by the late Chief Abraham Adesanya in 1998 after military rule ended.
“Ayo Adebanjo, as one of the key leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which was in the forefront of the struggle against military rule in Nigeria under the indomitable leadership of Chief Anthony Enahoro, was quite distinguished and courageous in his contribution to the restoration of Nigeria’s current democracy, staying back in Nigeria to lead mass protest against the military.
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“Again, Ayo Adebanjo, as an eminent leader of thought was very instrumental and supportive in the formation of The Patriots towards the democratic constitutional political restructuring of Nigeria under the visionary leadership of Chief Rotimi Williams and later Prof Ben Nwabueze, SAN both of blessed memory,” The Patriots stated.
Continuing, the group mentioned that Adebanjo became one of the leading voices of the 2014 National Confab set up by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan towards setting the pace for Nigeria’s political cohesion and stability.
It added that given Adebanjo’s illustrious service to Nigeria and humanity, he will be greatly missed.
“Therefore, The Patriots as his immediate constituency shall therefore be setting up an immortalisation committee in the succeeding period, as its culture, to work out how best to immortalise the legacies of the Eminent Patriot,” the group promised.
The Patriots commiserated with Adebanjo’s family members including his wife, children, and others and prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss.
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.
