Perpetua Onuegbu
Ijaw Elders’ Forum (IEF) in Lagos has condoled Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s family over the elder statesman’s passing, describing him as a titan and patriot.
The condolence message was in a statement issued yesterday by the Chairman of IEF, Chief Bukazi Etete.
“We thank God for a life well-spent for the good of humanity. Pa Adebanjo was a detribalised Nigerian and an astute politician who spent his entire life advocating for equity and justice in Nigeria. He advocated for democracy, good governance, and social justice,” he said.
Etete said the forum identified with the great ideals the late Afenifere leader stood for.
“He did not only espouse the ideals but collaborated with other ethnic nationalities like the Ijaw Elders’ Forum to actualise. We celebrate the inspirational life the great sage lived,” he stated.
The Ijaw elders expressed condolences to the Adebanjo family, the people of the Yoruba nation, and Nigerians at large and prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.
*Adebanjo epitome of heroic patriotism– Obidients Movement
A pro-Peter Obi group, Obidients Movement, has described the late Leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as an epitome of heroic patriotism.
National Coordinator of the movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, who stated this in Abuja on Sunday while reacting to the death of the elder statesman, said that the news of his demise was a rude shock to the movement.
While stating that Adebanjo was one of the pillars upon which the expected new Nigeria was standing, he said that the legacies he left behind had etched his name on the annals of history as a great countryman.
He described the late Afenifere leader as a man with indelible proof of patriotism and heroism.
“He will be remembered as that selfless leader who sacrificed his lifetime as an upholder and proponent of true democracy and the rule of law.
“His commitment and steadfastness in leadership craftsmanship are reflected in the monumental achievements of Afenifere as an organisation.
“We extend our condolences to his family, his friends, the good people of Ogun State, the Afenifere organisation and everyone he has left a lasting impact on their lives in our nation,” he said.
Tanko expressed optimism that Adebanjo, who would uphold Nigeria’s unity, would be born in the country’s democratic space.
