Pa Adebanjo: Nigeria Will Miss A Fiercely Loyal And Courageous Elder Statesman

By Abubakar Suleiman The death of elder statesman, and Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo whose democratic struggles started early in life, apparently marked the end of a chapter in Nigeria’s socio-political history. Indeed February 14, 2025, brought an excruciating pain and very huge sore to the hearts of many progressives, both in Nigeria and diaspora. […]

By Abubakar Suleiman

The death of elder statesman, and Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo whose democratic struggles started early in life, apparently marked the end of a chapter in Nigeria’s socio-political history.

Indeed February 14, 2025, brought an excruciating pain and very huge sore to the hearts of many progressives, both in Nigeria and diaspora.

Although this great national asset lived to a ripe old age of 96, he would still be missed because of his contributions to Nigeria, Yoruba land and the organisation he passionately led.

Without any ambiguity his demise leaves an irreplaceable void in Nigeria’s political landscape but also presents an opportunity to reflect on a life defined by selflessness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to a better Nigeria no matter whose ox is gored.

Born into the family of Salawatu Anomo Adebanjo and Chief Joel Adedairo Adebanjo on April 10, 1928, in Ijebu Ogbu Oke, Ogun State, young Adebanjo’s formative years were deeply influenced by values of discipline, hard work, and justice.

These principles would later shape his political and legal career.

His academic journey began at Saint Saviour’s Primary School, Elegbaata, Lagos (1934–1935), before attending Holy Trinity School, Ebute Ero (1937–1941) and later Cathedral School, Lagos (until 1943). These formative years in Lagos, then the capital of Nigeria, exposed young Adebanjo to the political ferment of the nationalist movement when he joined the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe nationalist movement train.

It was during this period that he first encountered the ideologies and personalities that would shape his political consciousness and future career.

Determined to equip himself with the legal knowledge necessary for his advocacy for justice, Pa Adebanjo travelled to the United Kingdom in 1959 to study law. This decision would prove pivotal in shaping his future role as a defender of constitutional rights and democratic principles. He completed his studies and was subsequently called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1961. This milestone set him on a career path that would become instrumental in his lifelong commitment to human rights, social justice, and democracy.

He was a forthright, courageous, and principled leader, who spoke the truth without fear or favour.

Always at the vanguard of equity and justice, Pa Adebanjo stoutly defended what he believed to be true, right, and just.

He was a soldier of democracy. Whether it was in the days of Pa Obafemi Awolowo or during the military era and the struggle for democracy under the auspices of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, he was fearless in the trenches, fighting for democracy and the blessings it promised.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo played a significant role in championing democracy, true federalism, and national development.

When the civilian government was restored to Nigeria in 1978, he emerged as one of the major contributors to Nigeria’s federal constitutional development. As a member of the 1978 Constituent Assembly, he actively participated in debates on Nigeria’s governance structure.

His advocacy for a true federal system, one that would ensure equitable distribution of resources and better welfare for Nigerians, became his watchword and he was very genuine with it and with no recourse to any pecuniary gains.

Despite the challenges that democratic governance faced, particularly after Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) lost in the presidential races if 1979 and 1983, Pa Adebanjo remained steadfast.

Like his mentor, he never gave up on democratic and civil governance. He fought tirelessly against military regimes that held democracy hostage in Nigeria, proving himself not just as a politician but as a fighter for democracy and human rights.

When the military regimes of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha subverted Nigeria’s democratic governance, Pa Adebanjo became a strategic force through his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in the 1990s. This became a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history.

NADECO was formed in response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

Some have argued that Pa Adebanjo’s most significant contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey was his role in NADECO during the 1990s. In the face of military dictatorship, he emerged as one of the leading voices of resistance, advocating for the restoration of democracy and opposing the annulment of the June 12 election.

His leadership in NADECO was characterized by strategic thinking and unwavering courage. He helped mobilize international support for Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, organizing protests, rallies, and public demonstrations.

His efforts, along with those of other NADECO leaders, were instrumental in maintaining pressure on the military government, ultimately contributing to the return of democratic governance in 1999.

Therebis no way we can discuss the registration of the Alliance for Democracy, AD, without highlighting the forcefullnes of Adebanjo’s voice.

At every phase of Nigeria’s political history, Pa Adebanjo left his mark, shaping Nigeria’s path toward strong democratic governance in Africa.

His influence extended beyond Yoruba politics; he was a respected bridge-builder, fostering alliances across ethnic and regional lines.

Until his passing, he played a key role in the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, which sought to unite Nigeria’s diverse regions on issues of governance and equity.

Even in his later years, Adebanjo remained vocal on national issues, consistently holding the Nigerian government accountable on topical national matters of justice, governance, and democracy.

His advocacy never wavered, proving that age was no barrier to principled activism.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived and died for principles, justice, democracy, federalism, and the common good of humanity. His passing signifies not just the loss of a political icon but the end of an era of principled political and socio-cultural leadership in Nigeria. His legacy is a challenge to the present and future generations to continue the fight for good governance, democracy, and justice.

As we bid farewell to this giant of Nigerian politics, we must ensure that the torch he carried so fearlessly is not extinguished.

While commiserating with the Yoruba ethnic extraction, Nigerians as as a whole, and his immediate family in particular for the passage of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, it is simply right to call on Nigerian youths and serving political office holders at local, state and federal levels to emulate this Afenifere chieftain’s courage, spartan discipline, love for all and life well spent.

Suleiman, a policy analyst, is based in Kano