Victor EzejaFormer Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) were present to pay their last respect to late Afenifere leader and pro-democracy activist, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo, who was laid to rest on Saturday.
Also, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, former governors of Ogun State—Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Yemi Cardoso; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, and Chief Ayo Opadokun and other eminent Nigerians were also present to bid Adebanjo farewell.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBorn on 10 April 1928, Adebanjo passed away on 14 February 2025 in his residence in Lagos. The nonagenarian was buried at his country home in Isanya Ogbo in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Eminent Nigerians took turns to applaud his legacies.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, which was held at the St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Isanya-Ogbo, Ijebu, Ogun State, Governor Abiodun described Adebanjo as a dogged fighter who always wanted true federalism in the country.
He noted that beyond politics, the late Afenifere leader was committed to preserving the Yoruba culture and strongly denounced nepotism, corruption, and impunity in any form in governance.
He added that Adebanjo’s life and legacy remain “a timeless blueprint for Nigeria” in the journey towards democratic consolidation.
READ ALSO: Adebanjo Was A Great Pillar In Struggle For New Nigeria – Obi
“Beyond politics, Pa Adebanjo was a champion of Yoruba unity and cultural pride. His fearless advocacy transcended ethnic lines, earning him national respect as a defender of truth and fairness. He spoke against corruption, lived with principle, and served God faithfully to the very end.
“We urge all Nigerians, especially those of us in leadership, to draw inspiration from his legacy. Let us serve selflessly, promote peace, and remain committed to building a just and united Nigeria. Baba has run his race; may we live lives worthy of remembrance,” Abiodun stated.
On his part, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Adebanjo was “a man who lived a life of purpose, integrity, and service and one whose legacy will continue to inspire many of us.”
Governor Makinde said contemporary leaders like him and others are inspired by Adebanjo’s legacy of speaking truth to power in his advocacy for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria. “Pa Adebanjo championed a nation built on equity and fairness for all Nigerians regardless of their ethnicity,” Makinde added.
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.
