Sen. Femi Okurounmu, an elder statesman, on Friday in Abeokuta described the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a fighter for justice who many Nigerians should emulate.

Okurounmu, who expressed sadness over the death of Adebanjo earlier on Friday in Lagos, said the late Afenifere leader fought for equity, fairness and for democracy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, according to a statement released by his family, Adebanjo died at the age of 96 at his Lekki home in Lagos.

Okurounmu who represented Ogun Central Senatorial Zone in the Fourth Republic, said Adebanjo had always followed the principles of the late Obafemi Awolowo.

“We are very sad about his death.

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“Every Nigerian knew what kind of a person he was. He was a fighter for justice and equity, fairness and for democracy.

“He was one of the leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) struggle.

“He was one of the leaders of the now defunct Action Group (AG), as the party’s Organising Secretary and a follower of Obafemi Awolowo right from the 1960s, and he was always following Awolowo’s principles,” Okurounmu said.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the late Afenifere leader, and also dedicate their lives to the pursuit of truth, justice and equity.

“They should spend their lives having in mind the welfare of the common man, not their own selfish interest,” Okurounmu said.

NAN reports that the late Adebanjo was survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.