The 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has described the death of foremost Afenifere leader and staunch Awoist, the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as a monumental loss, saying the Yoruba leader was an Iroko whose voice remained loud and eloquent across Nigeria.
In a statement he personally signed, Iba Adams said the death of Pa Adebanjo has created a big vacuum in Nigeria’s socio-political space, depriving the Yoruba of a strong voice that revolves around every circle.
“I received, with great shock, the news of the death of the foremost Yoruba son, an uncompromised leader, repository of political history in Yorubaland, and apostle of true federalism, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Iba Gani Adams continued.
“His death was such a monumental loss, creating a vacuum in Nigeria’s socio-political space, and depriving the Yoruba of a strong voice in the polity.
“In his death, we have lost a lot, considering his modest lifestyle, wisdom, and bluntness. Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a true disciple of the late sage,Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who preached the gospel of true federalism, and remained committed to the ideals of the late Awolowo.
“The late Pa Adebanjo was a man with a lion heart, courageous and blunt. He feared no tribulations, and all his life, he was also a symbol of integrity and hard work.”
Referencing his relationship with the late Afenifere leader, Iba Adams said the life of the Pa Adebanjo reminded him of the loss of a friend and Baba’s adopted son- the late Yinka Odumakin, and the energy he put up in fighting for justice and fairness in Nigeria.
“When a race loses such a leader and an unapologetic Awoist, a leader that speaks truth to power, you can understand the extent of the loss'” Iba Gani Adams further stated.
“But in all, I find solace in the fact that Baba Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life as a man of integrity and value. He would be glad in the end that he tried his best for the Yoruba.
“For us that are alive, the journey to address the obvious injustice and lacuna in Nigeria continues. We will not relent in our efforts to promote the Ideals for which the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived and died.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the Afenifere leader, Iba Gani Adams condoled with the immediate family of the Yoruba leader, the wife-Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, the children, Afenifere, and Yoruba at large.
He said though the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo died at 96, as the pillar of liberation, his memories will linger on in the minds of his admirers.
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