The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its deep sadness over the death of elder statesman, nationalist, and foremost advocate of democracy in Nigeria, the leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing it as a national tragedy.
According to a party statement, Chief Adebanjo was a fearless lawyer, forthright and principled politician, uncompromising democrat, and leading national light who stood for the people’s rights and entrenched democratic tenets of adherence to the rule of law, good governance, transparency, accountability, social welfare, justice, equity, fairness, and mutual respect in our national life.
He was a national Icon, a torchbearer, the leading epitome of truth, and a passionate advocate of true federalism, restructuring, and devolution of powers, which are the only workable templates of effective governance, political stability, and more peaceful co-existence in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society such as Nigeria.
Chief Adebanjo was an audacious and outspoken patriot who remained steadfast to his commitment towards the unity, stability, and development of our nation by always pointing to the truth, proffering practical solutions for knotty national issues, and serving as a source of inspiration, and vision and direction, especially for the contemporary generation of leaders.
Through the years, as one of the fighters for our nation’s independence, a staunch member of the then Zikist Movement, and later the Organizing Secretary of the Action Group (AG); a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and leader of Afenifere, Chief Adebanjo distinguished himself as a true nationalist who put the interest of the nation and wellbeing of Nigerians above every other consideration.
His death at this critical time is therefore a huge blow to our nation as he left the stage when his wealth of experience, wisdom, and direction are needed the most.
“Though we mourn, we find solace in the fact that Chief Adebanjo lived an accomplished life and bequeathed innumerable legacies that will remain invaluable for generations to come.
The PDP deeply commiserates with the Adebanjo family, the Afenifere family, the Government and people of Ogun State, and all lovers of democracy all over the world and prays to God to grant all the fortitude to bear this great tragedy”, the statement said.
