By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
It was an evening of solemn reflections, celebration and reverence as prominent Nigerians gathered at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, yesterday for a night of tributes and service of songs in honour of late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, an elder statesman and Afenifere leader, who passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
Among the dignitaries who paid glowing tributes was the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who described Pa Adebanjo as a towering figure of courage, truth, equity and service.
“Papa lived a life of value. He stood for justice and cared deeply for the poor, regardless of where they came from,” Obi said.
“To honour him, we must continue to uphold the ideals he lived and died for; fairness, integrity and compassion.”
Obi also encouraged the family and Nigerians at large to draw strength from the late nationalist’s legacy and never stop celebrating his remarkable life.
Delivering a sermon from Psalm 39, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, remembered Adebanjo as a steadfast patriot and man of conviction.
“He sat with me. We talked. I knew him. He laboured for Nigeria with integrity,” Bakare said, urging Nigerians to live lives so impactful that their absence would be felt.
He thanked members of the funeral committee, stating that their efforts had honoured both the living and the departed.
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor of Trinity House, also offered prayers and encouragement, saying,
“Nigeria shall be great again. The labours of our heroes past, like Pa Adebanjo, shall not be in vain.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, described Adebanjo as an indomitable statesman and a lifelong champion of truth and justice.
“Even at 95, he came to support me at the Awolowo Prize for Leadership. That singular act moved me deeply. He was more than a leader; he was a father figure,” Adesina recalled.
The tribute night drew a wide array of Nigerian statesmen, political leaders, and civil society figures. Among them were former governors of Ogun State: Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun; former governors of Ekiti and Akwa Ibom, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Obong Victor Attah, respectively.
Also present were former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, former Lagos Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Joe Odumakin, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Chief Supo Sonibare, and Afenifere leader Oba Oladapo Olaitan, among others.