KEY POINTS
- Obasanjo together with Anyaoku recognized Adebanjo as someone who strongly supported the nationalist cause and remained true to his beliefs.
- Peter Obi along with other leaders publically commended his deep commitment to serving both justice and the underprivileged.
- Throughout his life Adebanjo received recognition for his unending commitment to federalism and constitutional changes.
On Wednesday in Lagos prominent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo as well as former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Labour Party’s Peter Obi honored the late Afenifere leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo through a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs.
The hard-fought warrior Chief Ayo Adebanjo left this world on February 14 when he was 96 years old. The funeral of Adebanjo will take place in Isanya Ogbo which lies near Ijebu Ode in Ogun State on Saturday.
Obasanjo: “A personal loss and a national icon”
According to Obasanjo the passing of Adebanjo affected him personally because his deceased friend stood as a great national icon. His death brings tremendous pain to me as well as entire Ogun State and the entire nation. Obasanjo declared that Adebanjo achieved career success while dedicating loyal service to Nigeria.
Anyaoku: “A federalist to the end”
According to Anyaoku (SAN Ikenna Ikoli delivered the speech) Adebanjo remained faithful to Chief Obafemi Awolowo while advocating for established federalism throughout his life. According to Anyaoku, Adebanjo dedicated his life to Awolowo’s legacy by advancing constitutional reform for genuine federalism which unifies ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria.
Obi, Attah, and others pay homage remembering Adebanjo’s legacy
Peter Obi commended Adebanjo for his characteristical values combined with his deep empathy toward the disadvantaged and his unending advocacy of justice. “Baba lived for others. According to Obi, Adebanjo dedicated himself completely to helping the impoverished population while living his life based on core principles.
Former governor of Akwa Ibom State Obong Victor Attah expressed disappointment about not knowing Adebanjo at an earlier stage of his life since he admired his dedication to truth and equality. The African Development Bank President Dr Akinwunmi Adesina described him as a “gladiator of truth” as Dr Oby Ezekwesili praised his exceptional standards in character and integrity.
Adebanjo’s legacy of federalism and justice
Dr Biodun Shobanjo served as the Chairman for the Burial Planning Committee when he explained that Adebanjo dedicated his entire life to promoting egalitarianism together with true federalism. New Afenifere Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan expressed that Adebanjo lived an entire existence devoted to principled dedication toward Nigeria.
Clerics urge a life of impact
During this eulogy both pastors Tunde Bakare and Ituah Ighodalo stressed the briefness of human existence yet warned believers about the importance of leading unblemished lives of personal achievement. Bakare explained to the worshipers that human life is transient so they must lead lives that generate meaningful absence, while commending Adebanjo’s legacy.
Family, associates remember Adebanjo’s legacy as a life of sacrifice
Oloruntobi Atte who is Adebanjo’s grandson spoke about how his grandfather remained brave and patriotic throughout his life. Through his speaking abilities Adebanjo distinguished between righteousness and wickedness that existed in Nigeria according to Atte.
Dignitaries in attendance
A group of important officials joined the ceremony: Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo, Gbenga Daniel, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal and Olusegun Osoba. The meeting brought together PDP chieftain Bode George and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora as well as Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and other leaders from Afenifere.
