The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of a frontline leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
As earlier reported by The Eagle Online, Chief Adebanjo passed on early on Friday at the age of 96 in his Lekki, Lagos State home.
Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the late Chief Adebanjo as a committed nationalist and one of the first generation Awoists that laboured for the nation’s independence.
The Governor described the late Chief Adebanjo as a complete democrat, a fighter of bad governance and an advocate of true federalism in the Nigerian federation.
- Binance Executive insists Reps asked him for $150m bribe
- NPFL: Obot’s free kick secures Enyimba’s victory
- IPU appoints Deputy Speaker Kalu member WTO Steering Committee
- Marmoush nets hat-trick to help Man City thrash Newcastle
- Tinubu urges Kano governor to resolve BUK land dispute
He noted that Adebanjo was a consistent champion of the ideals of his leader, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, till he breathed his last.
According to him, the deceased played politics with decency as a committed member and chieftain of the Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria, and Alliance for Democracy.
The governor recalled the noble roles played by the departed nonagenarian alongside other pro-democracy activists like the late Chief Abraham Adesanya, late Chief Olanihun Ajayi, late Chief Anthony Enahoro, late Chief Alfred Rewane, and other heroes too numerous to mention in ensuring the return of democracy in 1999.
He further credited the Chief Adebanjo with using the platform of Afenifere to speak truth to power and offer useful counsel and alternative options on how to have a stronger democracy and a more prosperous Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji prayed God to grant the immediate family, friends and associates of the deceased, the government and people of Ogun State, his home state, the fortitude to bear the monumental loss.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I extend condolences to the immediate family member of our late leader, Chief Adebanjo and the leadership of Afenifere on this great loss and pray that God grant our departed leader eternal rest,” he added.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
