Prominent Nigerian Leaders Gather to Bid Farewell to Late Ayo Adebanjo in Ogun State

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, immediate past Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State joined other dignitaries to pay their last respects to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

The burial took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at his hometown, Isanya Ogbo in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Adebanjo, a lawyer, politician, and elder statesman, was among the last surviving associates of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He passed away in Lagos on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.

During the funeral service at St Philip Anglican Church, Governor Abiodun described Adebanjo as “a titan of integrity and justice, and a dogged fighter for true federalism who always wanted the best for Nigeria.” He praised Adebanjo’s commitment to democratic ideals and his courageous opposition to military dictatorship, calling him one of the heroes behind Nigeria’s current democratic governance.

“Chief Adebanjo was a dogged fighter for true federalism. He persistently argued that Nigeria’s over-centralised system of government bred economic imbalance and ethnic tension,” Abiodun said. He highlighted Adebanjo’s leadership in revitalising Afenifere as a potent socio-political force advocating regional integration, restructuring, and devolution of powers.

Beyond politics, Adebanjo was deeply committed to preserving Yoruba culture and was a vocal critic of nepotism, corruption, and impunity, becoming a moral compass for many. “His ideals will continue to live on in the hearts of millions, and his contributions shall serve as a path to building a just, united, and truly federal Nigeria,” Abiodun concluded.

The Archbishop of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, Bishop Michael Fape, who ministered at the service, urged Nigerians to emulate Adebanjo’s purposeful and selfless life. Preaching from John 18:37-38, he said, “Jesus lived a life of purpose by fulfilling God’s mission to save mankind, and the same could be said of Adebanjo, a fearless advocate of democracy, good governance, justice, equity, and fairness.”

Other notable attendees included former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso, former Deputy Governor Adegbenga Kaka, and Chief Ayo Opadokun.