Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed profound sadness over the death of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, calling it a monumental loss to Nigeria. Atiku made this statement during a condolence visit to the Adebanjo family on Sunday, where he reflected on the immense impact Pa Adebanjo had on the nation’s unity and peaceful coexistence.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Atiku, who was hosted by Pa Adebanjo on multiple occasions, shared the lessons he had learned from the late Yoruba leader. “What did I take away from this house? The virtues that Pa Adebanjo lived and preached throughout his life,” he said, emphasizing the deep influence Pa Adebanjo had on his own values and understanding of national issues.
During his visit, Atiku honored Pa Adebanjo’s lifelong dedication to promoting unity and peace in Nigeria. “His loss is a monumental loss to the immediate family and to those of us who have admired him and tried to emulate his ways of life and his belief in the unity of this country,” Atiku noted, stressing that Pa Adebanjo’s death was a national tragedy.
Atiku went on to describe Pa Adebanjo as not just a leader but a father figure, mentor, and guide. “He was a father, an adviser, a guide in what we have set to do for this country,” Atiku said, reflecting on how Pa Adebanjo had always encouraged him and others to stay true to the principles of truth and justice. “He has always made sure that he told us the truth and nothing but the truth,” Atiku added.
The former Vice President conveyed his condolences on behalf of his entourage, acknowledging the grief felt by the Adebanjo family and the larger Yoruba community. He also pointed out that while death is an inevitable part of life, Pa Adebanjo’s legacy would live on through his impactful contributions to Nigeria’s social and political landscape. “With God’s grace, he lived a worthy life and a life that can rarely be compared to many people,” Atiku said.
Atiku’s visit to the Adebanjo family came as part of a broader outpouring of tributes to the late Afenifere leader. Former President Goodluck Jonathan also paid a condolence visit on Sunday, accompanied by his entourage, honoring Pa Adebanjo’s remarkable legacy and lifelong commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
Pa Adebanjo passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96, at his home in Lekki, Lagos. His death has deeply saddened Nigerians from all walks of life, particularly those who valued his role in advocating for the unity of the country. Several high-profile figures have since visited the Adebanjo family to offer their condolences and pay respects, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The late Pa Adebanjo’s death marks the end of an era for the Afenifere group and the larger Yoruba community, but his contributions to Nigeria’s political and social development remain invaluable. His passing is seen not just as the loss of an iconic figure, but as the end of an unwavering voice for national unity and social justice.
