A foremost leader of the Afenifere, leading nationalist and elder statesman, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, has died at the age of 96.
Adebanjo died today, February 14, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
The family confirmed his passing in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday. The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the statement read.
Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and the national leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.”
The family said that consultations are ongoing with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across Nigeria and beyond to finalise plans for his funeral. Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at his residence at 8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as well as his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo, until his passing, was a towering figure in Nigerian politics, a dedicated nationalist, and a staunch advocate of Awoism.
Over the decades, he remained committed to the ideals of democracy, justice, and the restructuring of Nigeria.
While many people recognise him as an elder statesman and an unrelenting voice in national discourse, there are several aspects of his life that are not widely known.
Ten things you may not know about Late Chief Ayo Adebanjo:
1. He was originally a Zikist
Before becoming a staunch disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Adebanjo was initially a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. In 1943, he aligned himself with the Zikist movement before switching allegiance in 1951 to the Action Group, where he became a dedicated advocate of Awoism.
2. He fled to Ghana in 1962 to escape political persecution
During the crisis that led to the trial of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other Action Group leaders for treasonable felony, Adebanjo was among those charged. To escape persecution, he fled to Ghana, where he remained in exile for a period.
3. His father was arrested due to his political activism
Following his escape to Ghana in 1962, Adebanjo’s father was arrested and detained by the government as a form of intimidation. Despite this, Adebanjo remained resolute in his political beliefs.
4. Married to the same woman for over six decades
Adebanjo enjoyed a long and stable marriage of over 60 years. His commitment to family values is a testament to his disciplined and principled lifestyle.
5. He maintains a strict health and fitness routine
Even in his advanced years, Adebanjo adhered to a rigorous daily exercise regimen that includes aerobic sessions.
6. He was a founding member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)
Adebanjo played a significant role in the formation of NADECO, which was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship in the 1990s following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
7. He was arrested multiple times for his political beliefs
Adebanjo was detained on several occasions due to his political activism and unwavering stance on democracy and good governance. Despite these arrests, he remained steadfast in his convictions.
8. He never wavered from the ideals of Awoism
Throughout his political career, Adebanjo remained loyal to the principles of Awoism, which emphasize free education, free healthcare, rural development, and federalism. Unlike many of his contemporaries who switched political affiliations, he remained committed to these ideals.
9. He was a media-savvy intellectual
A former journalist before becoming a lawyer, Adebanjo was known for his media engagements. He spoke candidly in interviews and was known for his blunt and fearless approach when discussing national issues.
10. He Has Advocated for Nigeria’s Restructuring for Decades
One of the key issues Adebanjo consistently championed is the restructuring of Nigeria. He believed that the current structure of governance is flawed and repeatedly called for a return to true federalism as established in the 1954 and Lancaster House conferences.
