Abdulazeez Abdulwahab
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
The President, in a statement he personally signed and made available by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the late Afenifere leader’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to his journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support, according to the President, was instrumental in his election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s death was announced earlier today today by his children He was aged 96.
A statement by his family signed by his children, Mrs Ayotunde Atteh, Mrs Adeola Azeez and Mr Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo, said he died peacefully on Friday morning at his Lekki- home in Lagos.
The statement said the late nationalist was survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
The statement read: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayode
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria home at the age of 96.
“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, an apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.
“The family is consulting with Papa’s friends, associates, and numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond to fine-tune plans for befitting funeral details, which will be communicated in due course.
“A condolence register is open at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode Ogun State.”
President Tinubu’s statement is hereunder reproduced.
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF PA AYO ADEBANJO
I received the news of the passing of one of the Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow. Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, 14 February 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed. As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse. Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life—96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.
Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.
A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.
His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.
Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
February 14, 2025
Eighteen-Eleven Media