Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Peter Obi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Makinde, CBN Gov Cardoso, Amosun, Others Pay Last Respects As Afenifere Leader Ayo Adebanjo Is Buried In Ogun

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several serving governors were among the dignitaries who paid their final respects to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown, Isanya Ogbo, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Adebanjo, a prominent lawyer, politician, and nationalist, passed away in Lagos on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96. He was widely regarded as one of the last living associates of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a steadfast advocate of true federalism.

The funeral service held at St Philip Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, was attended by top political figures including Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), as well as former Ogun State governors Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

In his tribute, Governor Abiodun described Adebanjo as “a titan of integrity and justice” who fought tirelessly for a more equitable Nigeria. He said the late elder statesman was instrumental in revitalizing Afenifere as a socio-political force that championed regional integration and constitutional restructuring.

“Chief Adebanjo was a dogged fighter for true federalism. He persistently argued that Nigeria’s over-centralised system of government bred economic imbalance and ethnic tension,” Abiodun said. “Beyond politics, he was deeply committed to preserving Yoruba culture and became a moral compass for many, denouncing corruption and impunity wherever they surfaced.”

Archbishop Michael Fape of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Remo Diocese delivered the sermon, urging Nigerians to lead lives defined by purpose and service. Preaching from John 18:37-38, he emphasized the importance of using one’s life meaningfully, noting that Adebanjo embodied the virtues of courage, justice, and democratic values.

“Like Christ fulfilled his mission to save mankind, Chief Adebanjo lived a life of purpose. He was a fearless advocate of democracy, justice, equity, and fairness,” Bishop Fape said. He called on political leaders to draw inspiration from Adebanjo’s legacy and commit to selfless governance.

Also present at the ceremony were Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso, former Deputy Governor of Ogun State Senator Adegbenga Kaka, and notable Yoruba elder Chief Ayo Opadokun, among others.

Pa Adebanjo’s legacy as a principled nationalist and defender of democratic ideals continues to resonate across Nigeria’s political landscape.