The passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo at the ripe old age of 96 marks the end of an era, a moment of profound loss for Nigeria, and a reminder of the rare breed of leaders who lived not for personal gain but for the greater good of the nation. He was a statesman of unshakable conviction, a voice of reason in the face of political turbulence, and a relentless advocate for justice, fairness, and democracy. His entire life was dedicated to the fight for a Nigeria built on truth, equity, and inclusion.
Born into an era of colonial domination, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of a young nation striving to find its identity. He was a disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, standing shoulder to shoulder with the icons of Nigeria’s independence movement. As a founding member of the Action Group (AG) and a lifelong champion of progressive politics under the Afenifere socio-political movement, he never wavered in his belief that governance should be about service, not self-interest. He spent his life fighting for true federalism, resource control, and restructuring, insisting that Nigeria could only prosper when all its people, regardless of ethnicity or region, were treated as equal stakeholders in the nation’s destiny.
In a country often fractured by ethnic and political divisions, Pa Adebanjo was one of the few leaders who genuinely embodied national unity. He fought for Igbo inclusion in Nigeria’s political landscape, never yielding to the pressures of tribal sentiment. His role in the Handshake Across the Niger initiative was a bold step toward healing old wounds, bridging historical misunderstandings, and fostering a new political alliance between the Yoruba and the Igbo. For him, justice was non-negotiable, marginalization of any group meant injustice for all.
His courage extended beyond rhetoric. He was one of the few Yoruba elder statesmen who openly called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, recognizing that repression and exclusion only deepened national wounds. He believed that Nigeria’s future depended not on forceful crackdowns, but on dialogue, fairness, and inclusion. His call for justice for the Igbo people was not out of political convenience, but a deep-seated commitment to equity and national reconciliation.
His unwavering support for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was perhaps the most defining statement of his latter years. At a time when many politicians played the ethnic card, Pa Adebanjo stood firm on principle over tribe, competence over loyalty, and accountability over political gamesmanship. He saw in Obi a chance to break the vicious cycle of corrupt leadership that had held Nigeria hostage for decades. His voice rang loud and clear, defying age, defying intimidation, and inspiring a new generation to believe that integrity in leadership was still possible.
Even as the nation mourns, it is impossible to ignore the towering legacy he leaves behind. He was a fearless warrior for justice, a custodian of democratic values, and a beacon of hope for a Nigeria that still struggles to find its path. His words were never hollow, his convictions never swayed by political convenience. He was a man who spoke truth to power, not out of bitterness, but out of an unyielding love for his country.
Nigeria has lost one of its finest. But the ideals he fought for, the dream of a just, inclusive, and truly democratic Nigeria, must not be buried with him. If there is one way to truly honor his legacy, it is to continue the struggle for the Nigeria he envisioned, where leadership is built on integrity, where no region is marginalized, and where the voices of the people dictate the course of the nation.
Rest in power, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. Your legacy will live on.
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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