Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a great nationalist, an effective representative of his people, and an unpretentious leader.
Obasanjo, who is currently attending the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, expressed his deep sense of personal loss upon hearing the news of Adebanjo’s passing.
“The unfortunate news came to me as a shock because when I last visited him on February 3, 2025, at his Lekki residence, though he was in a fragile state, I had no inkling he would leave us so soon,” Obasanjo said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.
He described Adebanjo as a “foremost nationalist and patriot” who dedicated his life to selfless service. As a foundation member of the Action Group (AG), Obasanjo noted that Adebanjo was committed to democracy and demonstrated that politics should be about service to humanity rather than personal enrichment.
“His tenacity in the face of daunting odds and mortal risks to his life marked him as a courageous political leader and a true patriot,” he added.
Reflecting on their relationship, Obasanjo recalled that while they sometimes disagreed, they remained united in their mission to reposition Nigeria. He commended Adebanjo’s unwavering advocacy for restructuring, justice, and good governance, lamenting that his dream of seeing a truly reformed Nigeria was not realized in his lifetime.
“Until his death, he fought with courage and tenacity to see to the restructuring of the Nigerian nation. It is unfortunate that his dream couldn’t be actualized in his lifetime,” Obasanjo stated.
He extended condolences to Adebanjo’s family and the entire nation, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“I will undoubtedly miss my beloved Egbon Ayo, but I hold on to the good and remarkable memories we shared until we meet again,” he concluded.
