Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of the Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere. Senator Daniel described Pa Adebanjo as “one of our great leaders in Afenifere, one of the last Titans.”
In a statement released earlier today, Senator Daniel emphasized Pa Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his remarkable strength of purpose. He highlighted the late leader’s “exemplary” character and his “legendary oratory power.”
“It’s sad to hear the news of the passing of one of our great leaders in Afenifere, one of the last Titans, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Senator Daniel stated. “His ability to stand firm on his convictions and his strength of purpose for whatever he believed in was exemplary, as was his legendary oratory power.”
Senator Daniel further noted Pa Adebanjo’s adherence to the “old Awo stock in Yoruba ethos,” referring to the values of fairness, equity, and justice championed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Nigerian nationalist and leader. He stressed that these were the same values for which Pa Adebanjo “fought to his last breath.”
He acknowledged the significant loss Pa Adebanjo’s passing represents, not only for the Yoruba nation but for Nigeria as a whole. “Nigeria shall surely miss his invaluable contributions to our national discourse as we search for true federalism and statehood,” he said. He concluded by expressing his condolences to the people of Ogun State and the entire Yoruba nation, stating that they have “again lost another icon.”
