In a press release issued from Abuja on February 14, 2025, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a revered elder statesman and one of Nigeria’s few remaining nationalists.
Abubakar’s press release paid tribute to Adebanjo’s legacy as a “fearless freedom fighter, patriot, and statesman.” The former Vice President highlighted the late Afenifere leader’s remarkable contributions as a “formidable force” and “fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.”
In the statement, Abubakar recounted Adebanjo’s heroic role in the fight against military dictatorship and his pivotal efforts in ushering in democratic governance in Nigeria. The press release noted that the elder statesman had dedicated his entire life to various struggles, from opposing colonial rule in his youth to battling military regimes in his middle age, and finally, ensuring the entrenchment of good governance and the rule of law in his later years.
Abubakar praised Adebanjo as a mentor to generations of civil rights activists, describing him as an “activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches.” The press release emphasized that the late nationalist’s life and legacy serve as a “priceless map” for contemporary and upcoming advocates of good governance.
In the concluding remarks, the former Vice President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Adebanjo family, the people, and government of Ogun State, where the elder statesman hailed from. Abubakar expressed his belief that Adebanjo’s contributions to the nation and the Black race as a whole would be forever remembered and cherished.
PRESS RELEASE
Pa Adebanjo was a fearless freedom fighter, patriot, and statesman
I am saddened by the news of the passing away of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists of our country.
The late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.
I can vividly recall the heroic role that Pa Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria. He was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship.
It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.
I wish to state without equivocation that Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.
Apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists across different generations, Pa Adebanjo was an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches
Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists, who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.
He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction.
My profound condolences go to the Adebanjo family. I admonish them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch who they mourn was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race. I also commiserate with the people and government of Ogun State.
I pray for the peaceful repose of the gentle soul of the pioneer nationalist.
Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
Abuja
14 February, 2025.
