Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of Afenifere, has mourned the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a defender of progressive values and democracy in Nigeria.
Adebanjo, the factional leader of Afenifere, died on Friday at his Lekki residence in Lagos at the age of 96.
He is survived by his wife, Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, aged 94, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In a statement, Fasoranti praised Adebanjo’s role in Nigeria’s independence struggle and his advocacy for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms, and political associate for upwards of 70 years,” Fasoranti said.
“His contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, as well as his role in the restoration and sustenance of democracy, shall remain indelible in our country’s history.
He was an unrelenting ideologue who fought for many noble causes under Afenifere, where he once served as acting leader.”
Fasoranti emphasized that Adebanjo remained committed to the principles of fairness and justice, adding that his advocacy for restructuring was rooted in his belief in a truly federal Nigeria.
Adebanjo was appointed Afenifere’s acting leader in 2022, succeeding Fasoranti.
However, his tenure saw divisions within the Yoruba socio-political group, particularly over the 2023 presidential election. While Adebanjo’s faction endorsed Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Fasoranti’s camp supported Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite the internal disputes, Fasoranti acknowledged Adebanjo’s enduring legacy, stating that the Afenifere family would deeply miss him.