The transition of Pa Ayo Adebanjo (as he was fondly known), the leader of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-cultural organisation on February 14, 2025 constitutes an immeasurable loss to the pro-democracy group, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the political class and the country in general. Also, to all those devoted to good governance where justice and fairness reigns. Pa Adebanjo played a formidable role among the gladiators who shaped Nigeria political events from the First to the Fourth Republics. Instructively, his mind was politically shaped, early in his life when he was in standard five, by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s articles in West African Pilot and the Zikist ‘whirlwind’ movement then. However, he later became not only a loyal follower of the Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group party, but an unrepentant Awoist. Pa Adebanjo was a fearless rights activist who stood on the side of justice, fairness and equity throughout his lifetime. One of his greatest attributes perhaps was his consistency in words and in deeds. Even when he disagreed with his associates in a group, h never abandoned that group to form another.

Pa Adebanjo was principled, fair-minded and with a detribalised and cosmopolitan outlook. Indeed, everyone who was privileged to have known him, would no doubt, remember him for his fair disposition of views, and the ease with which he struck a fine balance with equity. Therefore, his progressive politics and being the leader of Afenifere did not limit him to fight the political interest of the Yoruba alone. This underscored his support for Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential flag-bearer of the Labour party (LP) in the 2023 general elections. His position was that after 24 years of democracy during which the presidency had rotated to the north and south, it was fair and logical that it should rotate to the south east where Obi hails from. Of course, his controversial position won him not a few antagonists among Yoruba politicians and Afenifere chieftains who supported Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was also contesting the 2023 presidential elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC).  Despite all that, he remained unperturbed and rallied leaders in the Middle-Belt and South-South to support Obi.

He was a distinguished member of his immediate and larger community, first, as a journalist, lawyer, statesman, politician and defender of the public space against injustice, tyranny and hypocrisy. He made it clear that Journalism gave him the most concrete level into politics. “I enjoyed being a journalist, because I interviewed personalities and that expose you to a lot of things, you learn many things and you gain access to many places that you ordinarily would not have access to”. He has several impressive and sterling contributions to the making of the Nigerian nation.

No doubt, Pa Adebanjo activism was of note. He was, however, better known as an Awoist and is committed to its ideology. What is this ideology? The party has consistently advocated for public good, free education, health and prosperity for all rural development and welfarism. He was foundation member of Action Group (AG) and earned an early reputation for forthrightness and hard work as secretary of the AG Youth Association. Although, Pa Adebanjo enjoyed the gift of longevity but, if there is one thing, he would have loved to see happen in Nigeria in his lifetime, it is restructuring. He was a staunch advocate for true federalism, a system agreed upon by the founding fathers of the country at independence in 1960. He noted that “the beginning of our problem in this country was the military coup of 1966…” Indeed, that rude incursion with a unification decree that suspended true fiscal federation gave room to socio-economic challenges. Of course, the 1999 Constitution foisted by the military added more twist and challenges facing the country.  Again, Pa Adebanjo noted that “as long as that Constitution (1999) exits, those of us in the south, who took part in the founding of this nation under our constitutional democracy would not accept it”.

He was born on April 10, 1928 in Ijebu Igbo, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun state. He attended Saint Saviors’ Primary School, Elegbaata in Lagos in 1934-1935. He proceeded to Trinity School, Ebute Ero in 1937-1941 and later to Cathedral school in Lagos where he finished his secondary education in 1943. His activism led him into trouble as his appointment at the ministry of health in Lagos was terminated over his role in the demonstration for self-government. In 1959, he went to London to study Law and by 1961 he enrolled with the council of Legal Education and was called to the Bar in Lincoln City in 1961.

Pa Adebanjo was a reporters’ delight, always ready to talk to journalists even as he issues press releases on burning national issues. He was an enlightened mind, who gave the benefits of his insights as to how the Nigerian society can be made safe for both government and citizens. Notwithstanding the assessment of his occasionally brutally frank views and position, Adebanjo’s death should make it easier for Afenifere to close rank. No doubt, Adebanjo belonged to a generation of those devoted to democratic principles which they pursued rigorously. The life of this remarkable man who achieved much, and embodied great dignity and gentleness is a lesson for the younger generation of Nigerians. His legacy and example should endure.