Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a Chieftain of Afenifere, a sociopolitical party, and the former organizing secretary of Action party, has died.
According to reports, the Afenifere Chieftain died on Friday morning at his apartment in Lekki, Lagos.
The family made this known via a statement released to the public.
The statement reads thus;
“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 Ayodele Adebanjo.
“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, 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, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond, to fine tune plans for a 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.”
Here are 12 things you probably don’t know about the late Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo:
1. Chief Ayo Adebanjo was born on April 10, 1928.
2. He was born in Isanya Ogbo, a village near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria, on April 10, 1928.
3. He died at the age of 96.
4. He is survived by 94 year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
5. He started his political journey in 1943 as a Zikist, following Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, before joining the Action Group in 1951 under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
6. Adebanjo remained committed to the political ideology of Awoism, which advocates for federalism, free education, and social welfare.
7. He was charged with treason and fled to Ghana in 1962 during the Action Group crisis. His father was arrested and detained in his place.
8. He played a significant role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, standing against military rule and advocating for democracy.
9. He was a consistent voice for restructuring Nigeria.
10. He initially studied journalism and practice as a journalist before he studied law in England.
11. He maintained his position as a significant opposition figure throughout his career, frequently criticizing politicians he feels have betrayed the Yoruba people’s progressive values.
