PHOTOS: Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Makinde, Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Obi, Others Attend Ayo Adebanjo’s Funeral
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state Governor were among dignitaries who attended the funeral service of late Ayodele Adebanjo, former factional leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group.
Adebanjo died on the morning of Friday, February 14, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos state.
The funeral ceremony was held on Saturday at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.
The funeral brought together family, friends, and political figures to celebrate his enduring legacy of advocating of democracy, true federalism, and national unity.
Dignitaries in attendance also include the former governors of the Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardozo, the former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Sen Adegbenga Kaka among others.
Adebanjo, a lawyer, politician, statesman and one of the last standing associates of the late sage Obafemi Awolowo, died in Lagos on February 14, 2025, at age 96.
Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun described “Chief Adebanjo as a dogged fighter of true federalism. Who persistently argued that Nigeria’s over centralised system of government bred economic imbalance and ethnic tension
“Under his leadership, Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba socio-political group was revitalised becoming a potent force with democratic wisdom pushing for regional integration, restructuring and devolution of powers.
“Beyond politics, he was deeply committed to preserving the rich Yoruba culture, he denounced nepotism, corruption and impunity whenever they rear up their ugly heads and becoming a moral compass for all.
“As Nigeria continues his walk towards democratic consolidation, the life of Chief Ayo Adebanjo remains a timeless blueprint for Nigeria, one defined by courage, conviction and unbending integrity.