Afenifere Diaspora USA has joined Nigerians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group.
The revered elder statesman passed away peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos State on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
In a statement signed by Prof. Sikiru Fadairo, Leader of Afenifere Diaspora USA, and Comrade David Adenekan, Secretary of the group, they described his passing as “a gargantuan loss and a vacuum too big to be filled as we celebrate his life after death.”
Quoting English author George Eliot, the group remarked, “Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them.”
They affirmed that Pa Adebanjo’s legacy would endure, saying, “Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo ‘dies not’ as we continue to uphold and practice his principles of fairness, equity, and justice in our national polity, even in the face of intimidation and the reckless display of power by those in authority.”
Reflecting on his remarkable life, the group acknowledged his lifelong dedication to truth, justice, and selfless service to humanity.
“Pa Adebanjo carried the burden of speaking truth to power without fear or favor, no matter whose ox was gored. He sacrificed personal comfort for the greater good of the people,” the statement read.
Highlighting his unwavering commitment to national unity and justice, the group praised his advocacy for the political inclusion of the Southeast, noting that “his life was a testament to the fight for fairness, equity, and justice, particularly in championing the rightful place of the Southeast in Nigeria’s rotational presidency.”
They posed a thought-provoking question to the Yoruba people: “Can we, as a people in dire need of purposeful and visionary leadership, fill the enormous vacuum left behind by this great sage?”
The statement concluded with a solemn reflection on the future of Afenifere and Yoruba leadership in Nigeria: “With the passing of Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo, another sage is gone. It marks the beginning of a new era, but the question remains—who will rise to fit the cap and lead in his stead?”
As tributes continue to pour in, Afenifere Diaspora USA reaffirmed its commitment to keeping his ideals alive, ensuring that his vision for a just and equitable Nigeria remains a guiding force for generations to come.
