Today, February 14, 2025, Nigeria—particularly the Southwest—mourns the passing of one of its most illustrious elder statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who peacefully departed at his Lekki residence in Lagos at the age of 96. His passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, as we bid farewell to one of the last titans of Nigeria’s nationalist movement and an unyielding voice for justice, democracy, and true federalism. His death leaves an irreplaceable void in Nigeria’s political landscape but also presents an opportunity to reflect on a life defined by selflessness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to a better Nigeria.

Early Life and Education: The Making of a Nationalist

Born into the family of Salawatu Anomo Adebanjo and Chief Joel Adedairo Adebanjo on April 10, 1928, in Ijebu Ogbu Oke, Ogun State, young Ayo’s formative years were deeply influenced by values of discipline, hard work, and justice. These principles would later shape his political and legal career.

His academic journey began at Saint Saviour’s Primary School, Elegbaata, Lagos (1934–1935), before attending Holy Trinity School, Ebute Ero (1937–1941) and later Cathedral School, Lagos (until 1943). These formative years in Lagos, then the capital of Nigeria, exposed young Adebanjo to the political ferment of the nationalist movement when he joined the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, nationalist movement train. It was during this period that he first encountered the ideologies and personalities that would shape his political consciousness and future career.

Determined to equip himself with the legal knowledge necessary for his advocacy for justice, Pa Adebanjo travelled to the United Kingdom in 1959 to study law. This decision would prove pivotal in shaping his future role as a defender of constitutional rights and democratic principles. He completed his studies and was subsequently called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1961. This milestone set him on a career path that would be become instrumental in his lifelong commitment to human rights, social justice, and democracy.

Political Awakening and Early Activism

Adebanjo’s early political consciousness was not just a testament of the Nigerian political era but what would set his political journey and career in motion towards justice, democracy and national unity. Starting his political journey in 1943 as a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a Nigerian core nationalist and with strong ideological leaning on Nigerian nationalism, demonstrated his early exposure to and recognition of the importance of nationalist politics. However, it was his decision to join the Action Group (AG) in 1951, under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that would define his political philosophy and career. As the Organizing Secretary of the Action Group, he showed exceptional organizational abilities and an unwavering commitment to the party’s progressive ideals.

His dedication to Awoism – a political philosophy emphasizing federalism, free education, and social welfare – became the cornerstone of his political life. This philosophy, which he championed until his final days, advocated for a comprehensive approach to national development through education, healthcare, and rural development. As a student of the two great personalities and architects of Nigeria’s nationalism, his embodiment of partial Zikism and flaring/glaring Awoism reflecting all through his life journey when it comes to his contributions to the issue of national development.

The personal cost of towing this past came so early and was tested during the political crisis of 1962. During the Action Group crisis of 1962, which led to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s infamous treasonable felony trial, Adebanjo was forced to flee to Ghana to escape persecution by the Nigerian government. The fact that his father was arrested in his place as a means of coercing him to return demonstrated the personal sacrifices he and his family made for their political beliefs.

Despite these challenges, he remained resilient in his beliefs to fight for justice and national development. His exile did not deter his political engagement; instead, it strengthened his resolve to fight for democracy and federalism. This resilience became a hallmark of his political career as his commitment to democratic principles unshaken all through his lifetime.

Championing Democracy, True Federalism, and National Development

Pa Ayo Adebanjo played a significant role in championing democracy, true federalism, and national development. When civilian government was restored to Nigeria in 1978, he emerged as one of the major contributors to Nigeria’s federal constitutional development. As a member of the 1978 Constituent Assembly, he actively participated in debates on Nigeria’s governance structure. His advocacy for a true federal system—one that would ensure better welfare for Nigerians—became his watchword.

Despite the challenges that democratic governance faced, particularly after Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) lost in the presidential race, Pa Adebanjo remained steadfast. Like his mentor, he never gave up on democratic and civil governance. He fought tirelessly against military regimes that held democracy hostage in Nigeria, proving himself not just as a politician but as a fighter for democracy and human rights.

When the military regimes of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha robbed Nigeria of democratic governance, Pa Adebanjo became a strategic force through his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in the 1990s. This became a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history. NADECO was formed in response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

Some have argued that Pa Adebanjo’s most significant contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey was his role in NADECO during the 1990s. In the face of military dictatorship, he emerged as a leading voice of resistance, advocating for the restoration of democracy and opposing the annulment of the June 12 election.

His leadership in NADECO was characterized by strategic thinking and unwavering courage. He helped mobilize international support for Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, organizing protests, rallies, and public demonstrations. His efforts, along with those of other NADECO leaders, were instrumental in maintaining pressure on the military government, ultimately contributing to the return of democratic governance in 1999.

At every phase of Nigeria’s political history, Pa Ayo Adebanjo left his mark, shaping Nigeria’s path toward strong democratic governance in Africa.

Afenifere and the Fight for Yoruba Interests

Adebanjo was also a founding father of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization dedicated to championing the principles of Awoism. Alongside leaders like Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Bola Ige, he helped define Southwest Nigeria’s political direction within the country’s democratic framework.

Despite internal rifts within Afenifere, under the leadership of Pa Ayo Adebanjo and others, the organization played a pivotal role in forming the Alliance for Democracy (AD). This political party became the dominant force in the Southwest, delivering true dividends of democracy after nearly two decades of military rule. AD also produced political leaders, one of whom—Bola Ahmed Tinubu—would later become the President of Nigeria.

Adebanjo remained steadfast in his advocacy for restructuring Nigeria. His belief in a true federal structure—where every region enjoys autonomy and resource control—remained the focal point of his activism.

His influence extended beyond Yoruba politics; he was a respected bridge-builder, fostering alliances across ethnic and regional lines. Until his passing, he played a key role in the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, which sought to unite Nigeria’s diverse regions on issues of governance and equity.

Even in his later years, Adebanjo remained vocal on national issues, consistently holding the Nigerian government accountable on matters of justice, governance, and democracy. His advocacy never wavered, proving that age was no barrier to principled activism.

National Tributes to a True Patriot

Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s passing has been described as a national loss, with tributes pouring in from across the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

In his tribute, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Pa Adebanjo as a “father figure” and a “fearless advocate for democracy and justice.” He acknowledged Adebanjo’s role in the fight against military dictatorship and the restoration of democracy, stating:

“Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country… His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo hailed him as a “foremost nationalist and patriot,” emphasizing his unshaken commitment to a just and equitable Nigeria.

Peter Obi

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called him a “moral compass for Nigeria’s democracy”, praising his unwavering principles, wisdom, and leadership.

Beyond politicians, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, and intellectuals have all paid glowing tributes to a man whose influence shaped generations.

Legacy and the Path Forward

Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived and died for principles—justice, democracy, federalism, and the common good. His passing signifies not just the loss of a political icon but the end of an era of principled leadership in Nigeria.

His legacy is a challenge to present and future generations—to continue the fight for good governance, democracy, and justice. As we bid farewell to this giant of Nigerian politics, we must ensure that the torch he carried so fearlessly is not extinguished.

He is survived by his wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo (94), children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived—a life that will continue to inspire Nigerians to fight for justice, democracy, and national unity.

Rest in Peace, Baba Ayo Adebanjo.

Your voice may be silent, but your legacy will echo forever in Nigeria’s history.