Ayo Adebanjo once expressed his desire to surpass his father’s remarkable age of 105, but fate had other plans. The revered elder statesman passed away on Friday at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of activism, political resilience, and an unwavering commitment to democracy.
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Born Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo on April 10, 1929, in Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, he was the only child of his mother. His father, a goldsmith, moved the family to Lagos, where Adebanjo completed his secondary education before securing a job at the Ministry of Health in 1950, registering births and deaths.
A Young Political Heavyweight
Adebanjo’s political journey began in the early 1950s, when he joined the youth wing of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, later becoming Assistant Secretary of the Lagos branch. His exposure to political activism deepened as he worked with Alhaji Gbadamosi at Ikorodu Trading Company before transitioning into journalism at the Daily Service. His journalistic work earned him a position in the Action Group (AG) as its General Secretary, where he worked closely with Remi Fani-Kayode.
London, Law School, and Exile in Ghana
Determined to advance his education, Adebanjo traveled to London to study law, funded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other political allies. Even in the UK, he remained politically active as the Secretary of the London branch of the Action Group. Upon his return, he played a critical role in Nigeria’s independence movement, but by 1962, the political crisis in the Western Region forced him into exile in Ghana.
In Ghana, he worked as a scriptwriter for Radio Ghana, thanks to support from President Kwame Nkrumah. However, following Nkrumah’s overthrow, he was deported to Nigeria and imprisoned at Kirikiri Prison, where he formed a close bond with Wole Soyinka.
A Lifelong Struggle for Democracy
Adebanjo remained a strong advocate for democracy. He was deeply involved in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) protests following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election. His activism never wavered, and in 1998, he became one of the founding members of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political organization.
Throughout his life, Adebanjo maintained a deep admiration for Chief Awolowo, whom he considered an extraordinary leader. He also shared a 65-year-long marriage with his wife, whom he met in the UK through a friend, Olaniwun Ajayi.
A Voice of Conviction Until the End
Even in his later years, Adebanjo remained politically active. In August 2022, Peter Obi and Labour Party leaders visited him, sparking speculations of his support for Obi’s presidential bid. Obi later confirmed Adebanjo’s endorsement, stating:
“His support was not merely a political gesture but a testament to his belief in equity and inclusiveness.”
Ayo Adebanjo’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian democracy. From fighting colonial rule to resisting military dictatorship and advocating for good governance, he remained steadfast in his beliefs. His life serves as a blueprint for activism, ensuring that his legacy will endure in Nigeria’s political history.
