A Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, on Thursday in Lagos, celebrated the life and times of its late leader and elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with a public symposium.
The event, which officially birthed the annual public lecture in honour of the late nationalist and pro-democracy activist, was held in commemoration of his 97th posthumous birthday.
It took place at the Muson Centre, Onikan, and was themed: “Afenifere: Identity, ideas and ideology.”
Some of the highlights of the forum centred on critical issues concerning the organisation, such as Afenifere’s history, political ideology and programmes; ‘the Afenifere Nigeria needs’; ‘what is Afenifere today and where are we now’; as well as the life and times of Pa Adebanjo, among others.
In attendance were many notable Nigerians across ethnic nationalities and political affiliations.
They included the 2023 presidential candidate under the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; Oba Oladipo Olaitan, acting leader of Afenifere worldwide; elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George; former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Internal Affairs, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Deputy President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; human rights activist, Solomon Asemota, who delivered the keynote speech; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Godknows Igali; former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, and her husband, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili.
Also in attendance were Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, son of the late former governor of Ondo State and Afenifere chieftain, Pa Adekunle Ajasin; notable columnist and Yoruba leader, Balogun Akin Osuntokun; Director of Research and Strategy, Afenifere, Dr Akin Fapounda; Chief Supo Shonibare; Chief Sola Ebiseni; Mr Dele Farotimi; Mr Lanre Anjolaiya; Chief Oladipupo Oyewole; Omoyele Sowore; Mr Bismarck Rewane; Mr Jimi Agbaje; Chairman of Troyka Group, Chief Biodun Sobanjo; and many others.
They all eulogised the virtues, ideas, and philosophy of the late Awoist and pro-democracy activist, who passed away on Friday, 14 February 2025, at the age of 96.
They said Pa Adebanjo was indeed among the great Nigerian titans and a bridge that connected people across ethnic groups to the foundational struggles of the nation’s democracy.
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Welcoming participants to the event, acting leader of Afenifere worldwide, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, stated that Pa Adebanjo stood for unity, justice, and fairness not only for the Yoruba race but for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity and social class.
He said Pa Adebanjo stood firmly by that ideology until his death, without shifting ground at any moment, regardless of the individuals or groups his actions and decisions may have negatively affected.
According to him, Pa Adebanjo believed, until his death, in one Nigeria that works for all, and not for any particular section of the country, tribe, or individual.
“And he also believed that there was still so much work to be done to arrive at a new Nigeria he envisioned before he passed away, meaning that he left a big vacuum for all of us to be filled,” Oba Olaitan stressed.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, the 1993 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, also eulogised the virtues of Pa Adebanjo.
He described him as a detribalised leader with a high level of integrity, and one who lived for the interest of all Nigerians and not the Yorubas alone.
According to Peter Obi, Pa Adebanjo preached the new breed of politicians, and he always fought for justice, equity, and fairness for all Nigerians.
“So, we will all miss him,” Obi, who was unwilling to speak on any issue concerning the Labour Party at the event, submitted.
On his part, Chief Olabode George reflected on how he first met Pa Adebanjo during the National Conference in 2014. He later moved closer to him and, in the process, became inspired by his political thoughts and ideas to the extent that he considered himself Pa Adebanjo’s political son.
“So, we have lost a legend and icon, and a man who passed on the baton handed over to him by Chief Obafemi Awolowo to now pass it on to our generation,” he said.
Chief Bode George, however, advised current political leaders to look into various ethnic agitations—such as one tribe accusing another of killing its members—with a view to addressing them and preventing unmanageable political violence in the country.
He noted that Nigerians deserve a better country that works for all, and not just a privileged few.
Also in an interview, the Deputy President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, pointed out that Ohaneze Ndigbo identified with Afenifere because of the ideology and ideas the group stood for, which include unity, oneness, good governance, justice, and fairness.
“We saw Pa Adebanjo as one of our own and part of our family.
“We shared similar values—fundamental rights of people and freedom of all Nigerians for a better country and so forth.
“So, as we miss him, we would have loved all the sections of the country to come together for a common purpose and value and also stand on such purpose for the best interest of all Nigerians because that was what Pa Adebanjo stood for and so also, we the Ohaneze Ndigbo,” he concluded.
Afenifere was formed 74 years ago by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists and premier of the then Western Region.
The organisation is aimed at bringing together all ethnic nationalities to foster a truly federal identity in building a nation-state where equality of opportunity, selfless governance, and transparency in the management of the collective wealth of the nation are evidenced as the essence of governance.
Chief Adebanjo, a prominent lawyer, remained until death a symbol of courage, justice, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.
His body will be interred on Saturday, 3 May.
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