Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has described the late Leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as a freedom fighter, foremost elder statesman and one of Nigeria’s few remaining nationalists.
Abubakar, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that the late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and fearless fighter for justice, equity and an egalitarian society.
He recalled the heroic role which Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said that Pa Adebanjo was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship.
“It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.
“I wish to state without equivocation that Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.
“Apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists across different generations, Pa Adebanjo was an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches.
“Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.
“He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction,” he said.
Abubakar condoled with the Adebanjo family, admonishing them to take solace in the fact that their patriarch was a father to the whole country and pride to the Black race.
He also commiserated with the people and government of Ogun and prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
