Atiku mourns late Pa Adebanjo

…says he was a fearless freedom fighter, patriot, statesman

By Tunde Opalana

Former Vice President , Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has mourned the death of leader of Yoruba pan- socio cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo who died at the age of 96 years

He described the late Adebanjo, as a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists of the country.

Atiku in a statement on Friday said “the late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.

“I can vividly recall the heroic role that Pa Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria. He was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship.

“It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.

“I wish to state without equivocation that Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.

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“Apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists across different generations, Pa Adebanjo was an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches

“Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists, who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.

“He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction.

“My profound condolences go to the Adebanjo family. I admonish them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch who they mourn was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race. I also commiserate with the people and government of Ogun State.”