EXACTLY 55 days to his 96th birthday, Elder statesman and Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, passed on, yesterday.
Born on April 10, 1928, the frontline nationalist and one of the remaining first-generation Awoists, died fighting for true federalism, resource control and restructuring.
A lover of equity, justice and fairness, Adebanjo died on Valentine’s Day after battling ill health for a while.
A family source disclosed that before his death, the late Afenifere leader had been sick for a while.
The source further explained that despite his ill health, there were hopes that Pa Adebanjo would overcome his health challenges. The source further disclosed that at a point in time, the Afenifere leader and National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, chieftain stopped eating and took only liquid substances.
“He had been sick for some time but we have been managing it. At a point in time, he stopped eating but only took liquid. He died peacefully in his sleep,” the family member said.
Remembered for his principled stand on issues, some of his last battles include the implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 national confab and ensuring that the South-East via Mr Peter Obi produced the president after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023 to ensure equity, and harmony in the country.
Pa Adebanjo’s demise elicited tears in the polity, yesterday. Those who mourned and eulogised him included President Bola Tinubu, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo Buhari and Good luck Jonathan, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).
Chief Reuben Fasoranti, The Afenifere, The Patriots, Iba Gani Adams, and Chief Akin Osuntokun and Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF among others also mourned.