Gov Oyebanji, Afenifere Chieftain, Fasonranti Describe Adebanjo As One Of Labourers Of Nigeria’s Democracy

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasonranti have joined those who expressed shock at the death of  a frontline leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

Chief Adebanjo passed on early Friday, aged 96 years old.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the late Chief Adebanjo as a committed nationalist and one of the first generation Awoists that laboured for the nation’s independence.

The Governor described the late Chief Adebanjo as a complete democrat, a fighter of bad governance and an advocate of true federalism in the Nigerian federation.

Oyebanji noted that the late Chief Adebanjo was a consistent champion of the ideals of his leader, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo till he breathed his last.

According to him, the deceased played politics with decency as a committed member and chieftain of the Action Group (AG), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The Governor recalled the noble roles played by the departed nonegenarian alongside other pro-democracy activists like the late Chief Abraham Adesanya, the Chief Olanihun Ajayi, the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, the late Chief Alfred Rewane and other heroes too numerous to mention in ensuring the return of democracy in 1999.

He further credited the Chief Adebanjo with using the platform of Afenifere to speak truth to power and offer useful counsel and alternative options on how to have a stronger democracy and a more prosperous Nigeria.

Pa Fasoranti, the Leader of Afenifere, said in his condolence message that Adebanjo was a patriot par excellence.

“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms and political associate for upwards of 70 years.

“His contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria shall remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

“He was an unrelenting ideologue who fought for many noble causes under the auspices of Afenifere where he was once the Acting Leader. Members of Afenifere family will greatly miss this fallen hero.

“Chief Adebanjo was a custodian of positive values that define progressive politics in Nigeria. As a disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, he was committed to the principles of good governance, rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights of Nigerians.

“His advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria was borne out of the conviction that only a truly federal Nigeria, where justice and fairness are supreme, could fulfill the aspirations of the people. I pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”