‘An Iroko Has Fallen,’ Makinde Mourns Adebanjo
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization, Afenifere, likening the loss to the fall of a mighty Iroko tree in the forest. He described the death as the end of an era and praised the late Adebanjo for being a great nationalist, federalist, patriot, and true democrat who dedicated his life to the betterment of Nigeria.
Governor Makinde emphasized that Pa Adebanjo was not just a political leader but a “father of all” who made an indelible mark on the country’s quest for democracy and justice. The governor offered his condolences to the immediate family of the late leader, Afenifere, the government and people of Ogun State, and the entire South-West region.
Similarly, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association (YYSA) mourned Adebanjo’s passing. In a statement, the association’s national president, Olalekan Hammed, hailed Adebanjo as a pro-democracy activist whose contributions would never be forgotten. He recalled that Adebanjo was one of the longest-lived Awoists, a man who firmly believed in equity, justice, and fairness, even when his views were not popular.
Hammed further remarked, “If not because of him, the Afenifere group would have ceased to exist.” He praised Adebanjo’s lifelong commitment to the values of equity and justice, recognizing the late leader’s profound influence on Nigerian politics.
