Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, recently celebrated the 96th birthday of its National Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with a heartfelt tribute that underscores his pivotal role in the group and his embodiment of the principles of its founding father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In their congratulatory message, Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, lauded Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a stalwart of Awolowo’s legacy. They emphasized that Adebanjo has, for decades, been a steadfast exemplar of Awolowo’s dreams, consistently advocating for a united front of progressives to forge an egalitarian society.
The organization reaffirmed its identity as a group rooted in the doctrines, principles, and philosophies of Awolowo. It stressed that Afenifere is not a catch-all entity but a collective of true believers in Awolowo’s ideals. The statement highlighted the group’s resilience against attempts by ultra-conservatives to co-opt its mission, noting that such efforts have always been thwarted, from historical challenges in 1962 to recent events in 2024.
Adebanjo has been recognized as a figure who personifies Afenifere to the greatest extent. His leadership has been likened to a beacon, guiding the organization in the spirit of Awolowo’s leadership. The tribute also recalled a defining moment when Adebanjo bravely confronted General Sani Abacha, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to the group’s principles.
Afenifere’s message on Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s 96th birthday is a testament to his enduring influence and the organization’s ongoing dedication to the vision of its founders, particularly Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose ideals continue to inspire its leadership and actions.
The statement read: “Afenifere has never been and will never be an amorphous group of all comers. No. Afenifere is about those who believe in the doctrines, principles, writings and philosophies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Afenifere was and is never going to be a compromised group.
“Afenifere is a political party, right from its inception in 1951. All of these are the irreducible indices of the nobility and uniqueness of Afenifere, which Pa Ayo Adebanjo represents and only true Awoists can be Afenifere.
“It is not the first time that ultra-conservatives will attempt to steal the soul of Afenifere, but at each instance, such attempts have failed. Since 1962 through 2001, 2003, 2008, and now, 2024. It is a usual story, not unexpected where the lure of the lucre overcomes the notion of holding on to principles of equity and justice. Our leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo is a veteran, who has survived every attempt made to damage the Afenifere.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo wrote 14 books and nowhere in those books did our founder, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, ever forsook the Afenifere lifelong quest of freedom for the people.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s leadership has become a beacon for all successive Afenifere leaders, which has become more exemplified in the leadership of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, described as the one who epitomizes and personifies Afenifere the most.
“Pa Adebanjo looked Abacha straight in the eye and told him straight to his face, ‘Pick up your gun and shoot me yourself; I owe you only one Bullet.”
Afenifere was established in 1951 as a socio-cultural association dedicated to the interests of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It has historically been aligned with the political ideologies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was a prominent advocate for Nigerian independence, federalism, and social welfare. Awolowo’s vision was for a progressive and egalitarian society, which he pursued through his leadership and writings.