The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has affirmed that the late leader of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, will be accorded a befitting burial in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the peace, development, and unity of Nigeria and its people.
Akpabio made this statement on Friday during a condolence visit to the family of the late Yoruba leader in Lagos State, accompanied by the leadership and members of the 10th Senate.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Jackson Udom, Akpabio reassured the bereaved family, saying, “We are here today to assure you that you are not alone in this moment of grief.
“The Nigerian Senate, along with Nigerians as a whole, stands with you and will support you in ensuring that our departed icon receives a fitting farewell. I want to emphasise that, across party lines, the Senate is committed to playing an active role in honouring our late father with a dignified burial.
“Before our visit, Senator Gbenga Daniel ensured that, during our Thursday sitting, we paid tribute to Baba by allowing senators to speak on the floor of the Senate about his legacy and contributions.
“There is no need for sorrow, as he lived a life that fills us all with pride. He was among those who fought to secure the democracy we enjoy today.”
Akpabio further remarked, “Pa Adebanjo lived and died speaking truth to power. His words were never intended as opposition for its own sake, nor did he seek to be an adversary to any government or political party. Rather, his interventions on national issues were driven by a desire to ensure that those in authority acted in the best interest of the people. He was a true Pan-Nigerian figure. He lived well, and we shall celebrate him.”
The Senate President was accompanied on the visit by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Senate Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi; and Senators Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Abiru Adetokunbo, Gbenga Daniel, Titus Zam, and Asuquo Ekpenyong.
