Nigeria has lost one of its most revered elder statesmen, as Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, passed away peacefully at his Lekki, Lagos residence on Friday morning. He was 96 years old.
A statement from his family confirmed his passing, describing him as a lifelong advocate for truth, equity, and justice. Until his last days, Pa Adebanjo remained a strong voice for democracy, restructuring, and good governance in Nigeria.
Born on April 10, 1928, in Ogun State, Adebanjo was a close associate of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and played a pivotal role in the formation of the Action Group in the 1950s. As a lawyer, politician, and activist, he was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey, consistently pushing for true federalism and the rights of the Yoruba people within the Nigerian framework.
Adebanjo took over the leadership of Afenifere following the passing of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and under his guidance, the group remained a powerful voice in national discourse.
He is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family has announced that funeral arrangements will be made public after consultations with friends, associates, and key stakeholders.
A condolence register has been opened at his Lekki residence and his hometown in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, with political leaders, traditional rulers, and activists mourning the loss of a fearless advocate of democracy. His passing marks the end of an era for Yoruba politics and Nigeria’s struggle for a restructured nation.
