Governors of Lagos and Oyo States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Makinde, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were among eminent Nigerians who joined Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to bid the late elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a farewell yesterday.
Other crème de la crème personalities who trooped to Isanya-Ogbo Ijebu to give the late chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, last respects, included the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, general secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Opadokun, as well as a former deputy governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Akerele Bucknor, who is also a NADECO member.
Remains of the elder statesman were interred at around 1:50pm at his residence in Isanya-Ogbo, Ijebu in the Odoogbolu local government area of Ogun State.
Speaking at the event which was held at St Philip’s Anglican Church, Isanya-Ogbo, Ijebu, Ogun State governor, Abiodun described late Pa Adebanjo as a “dogged crusader of true federalism,” whose legacies will continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic evolution and federalist ideals.
“This statesman, politician remained an unwavering opponent of military dictatorship, a staunch supporter of the National Coalition (NADECO), a vocal advocate for the return to civilian rule, particularly when democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of June 12.
“His role in defending the socio-political right of Yoruba people earned him reverence across traditional and contemporary institutions as BBC news reported. He stood as a symbol of Yoruba resistance to marginalisation and cultural erosion.
“His advocacy transcended ethnic boundaries, reflecting the ethos of Dr Martin Luther King (Jr), whose word he embodied and I quote, ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’
“He denounced corruption, nepotism and humility wherever they showed their head becoming a moral compass in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.
“Chief Adebanjo was a good man who did everything in his power to ensure the triumph of justice, fairness and progress.”
Earlier in a sermon, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, the Most Rev’d (Dr) Olusina Fape described the late leader of Afenifere as a politician who laboured for the unity and progress of Nigeria throughout his lifetime through his advocacies for a true federal state built on equity, fairness and justice.
Fape, who also serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Remo, particularly emphasised that late Pa Adebanjo led “a life of purpose and integrity, fearlessly championing the course of true democracy and wanting the best for Nigeria.
The cleric, who quoted John 18:37-38 to support his sermon, noted that the deceased was never a fair-weather politician, unlike many of today’s politicians who, he said, frequently “jump” from one political party to another.
In the condolence message which he sent and read at the funeral service, former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar described late Pa Adebanjo as “a great federalist, a reliable and consistent fighter for democracy in Nigeria, whose loyalty and religious devotions are worth emulating by all Nigerians.”