By Despite Political Differences, Pa Ayo Adebanjo Was A Father Figure To Me – President Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent Afenifere leader, who died peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
In a statement released by the State House on the same day, President Tinubu described Pa Adebanjo as a political leader whose tireless advocacy for justice, democracy, and national unity left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
Pa Adebanjo, who lived to the age of 96, was a steadfast advocate for democracy and progress.
His dedication to democratic ideals and his principled voice, which resonated through decades of activism, enriched Nigeria’s political landscape.
President Tinubu acknowledged Pa Adebanjo’s significant contributions, including his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group during the First Republic and his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic.
The late Pa Adebanjo’s courage and unwavering commitment to justice were particularly evident during the June 12, 1993 presidential election crisis, where he played a key role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in opposition to military rule. His support was instrumental in the eventual restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
President Tinubu also reflected on his personal relationship with Pa Adebanjo, describing him as a father figure.
The president noted that Adebanjo’s steadfast support during his 1999 governorship campaign in Lagos was crucial to his election.
Despite political differences in later years, President Tinubu emphasized the enduring respect and admiration he held for Pa Adebanjo.
The president concluded his statement by extending heartfelt condolences to the Adebanjo family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, and all Nigerians who shared in Pa Adebanjo’s vision.
