As glowing tributes continue to pour in for the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, from prominent Nigerians and organisations across the globe, his family has revealed why his wife has not been informed of his demise.
Adebanjo, who was 96 years old, passed away on Friday at his residence in Lagos, just 55 days before his 97th birthday. He hailed from Ilarowo Ogbo in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Meanwhile, Vanguard reported that Adebanjo’s widow, Christy, has yet to be informed of her husband’s passing. A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Christy has been hospitalized for some time, recovering from an illness.
The source said, “Mama has not been told the news of Baba’s death because she is also sick. She is in the hospital.” When asked if the news would eventually be broken to her, the family source replied, “They will not break the news to her because of her illness.”
Among those who have commiserated with the family are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, his predecessor Ibikunle Amosun, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams, National Democratic Coalition leader Chief Ayo Opadokun, and many others.
Akpabio, in a statement, described Adebanjo’s principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, as irreplaceable.
He said: “Pa Adebanjo’s glorious exit at the age of 96 marks the end of an era, and as a people, we mourn the loss of a selfless patriot, who dedicated his life to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His unwavering commitment to justice and equity has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. His leadership and vision inspired generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us to work towards a more just and equitable society.”
Similarly, Peter Obi, in a condolence message on his X handle, described Adebanjo as a leader who remained committed to a united and progressive Nigeria.
He wrote: “His unwavering commitment to fairness has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.”
Chief Ayo Opadokun, in his tribute, described the late Adebanjo as an accomplished kingmaker who mentored many.
He said: “Adebanjo was a man of discipline, courage, and industry as he was in the habit of committing himself to anything he had voluntarily associated himself with.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Adebanjo as a “bold, consistent, fearless, principled person who was focused till the end.” He added: “His legacies would be forever enduring.”
Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, expressed that the Yoruba people would miss Adebanjo, whom he described as a principled leader who never compromised standards.
He said, “We should thank God that Baba lived a very good life, and he was a very good example for Nigerians.”
Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun described the deceased as a courageous fighter and political titan.
He stated, “Chief Adebanjo was a respected elder statesman, a champion of democracy, and a proud advocate for the Yoruba people who contributed immensely to the development of Ogun State, the South West region, and Nigeria. He was a courageous leader with unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and the advancement of the Yoruba people. He left an indelible mark with his tireless efforts to promote peace, unity, stability, and prosperity in our great country. I recall the crucial roles played by Chief Adebanjo alongside other eminent leaders of the National Democratic Coalition to end military rule in Nigeria. He was also a voice of reasoning in the advocacy for restructuring and regional autonomy in Nigeria.”
Anya Ndi-Igbo, a socio-cultural organisation, also paid tribute to Adebanjo, describing him as “a Nigerian leader because his public life guided, inspired, encouraged, and influenced fair-minded people towards the common good of all the people of Nigeria. He advocated for justice, equity, collaboration, and sound judgement. His position cost abrasive challengers who play corner games as central sports, but he took them on the chin because he was convinced of the validity of the principles that underpin his positions.”
The family described the late politician as a great family man, an irreplaceable community leader, and a dependable fighter for the common good of his people. They noted that Adebanjo facilitated the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals in their community.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Baale of Abariwoye, Ilarowo Ogbo, Chief Samuel Tale, described Adebanjo’s death as an irreplaceable loss to all 18 communities in the area.
He said, “The roads, the schools, and the hospitals that we have here were facilitated by him. His death is a great loss to us. Nigerians should learn to be forthright; we must prioritise truth above everything to move our nation forward. Baba lived for the truth, and that is what we should also learn from his life and time.”
