As tributes continue to flood in for the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, his daughter, Mrs. Adeola Azeez, has revealed that the family is considering May for his burial. However, she emphasized that the final decision rests with the family.
Pa Adebanjo passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 96. Speaking to journalists at the family’s Lekki residence, Mrs. Azeez debunked earlier reports suggesting that the burial was scheduled for April.
“We are considering May, but the family will meet and decide on a date,” she said.
Dignitaries Pay Tribute to Adebanjo’s Legacy
Several prominent figures visited the Adebanjo residence to pay their respects, including:
- Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
- 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi
- Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke
- RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye
- Former Ogun State Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel
- Former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba
- Former Lagos Deputy Governor Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele
- Chief Supo Shonibare
- Senator Femi Okurounmu
- Mr. Akin Oshuntokun
- Oba Oladipo Olaitan
These figures described Adebanjo as a fearless leader who was unwavering in his pursuit of justice and democracy.
Osinbajo: “He Was at the Forefront of Every Progressive Cause”
During his visit, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo praised Adebanjo’s lifelong dedication to social and political progress.
“One thing that needs to be said about Papa Ayo Adebanjo is that he has been at the forefront of every significant political and social progressive cause since before and after independence. There is practically no social cause that he has not been part of,” Osinbajo said.
He highlighted Adebanjo’s boldness and his willingness to risk everything for democracy, particularly during Nigeria’s military rule.
Peter Obi: “A Man Who Fearlessly Fought for Justice”
Labour Party’s Peter Obi expressed his deep respect for Adebanjo’s unwavering principles.
“I know his family and people like me have lost somebody we can call a father, but most importantly, Nigeria has lost somebody important. He is somebody who fearlessly and courageously fought for justice, fairness, and what is right,” Obi said.
Obi emphasized that Adebanjo’s consistency in upholding his values set him apart from many others.
Gbenga Daniel: “A Man of Principle”
Former Ogun State Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel described Adebanjo as a leader who stayed true to his principles throughout his life.
“He is like a father to me, and I must confess how he supported my administration even though we didn’t belong to the same political party. That underscores the fact that this is a man of principle,” Daniel noted.
Alaafin-elect: “More Than an Ethnic Figure”
The Alaafin-elect, Oba Akeem Owoade, also paid tribute, describing Adebanjo as more than just a Yoruba leader.
“The Alaafin of Oyo does not mourn but rather celebrates the laudable impact of a man of principles, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” he stated through his media aide, Mr. Bode Durojaiye.
Ngige: “Adebanjo Lived and Died an Awoist”
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, called Adebanjo’s passing an irreplaceable loss to the nation.
“Adebanjo chose to live an honourable and incorruptible life and was not moved by material acquisitions, just like many other politicians of that era, unlike what is obtainable today in the country,” Ngige said.
Legacy of a Fearless Advocate
Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s legacy as a fearless advocate for democracy, justice, and fairness remains undeniable. His unwavering commitment to his principles, even in the face of adversity, earned him the respect of Nigerians across different political and ideological divides.
As the nation awaits the family’s final decision on his burial, the tributes pouring in reflect the deep impact he had on Nigeria’s political landscape.
