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President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, and other eminent Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) Secretary, Ayo Opadokun, describing him as a courageous pro-democracy activist whose sacrifices helped pave the way for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
The tributes came as Opadokun, a journalist, lawyer and pro-democracy crusader, marked his 80th birthday at a thanksgiving service at Ikate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos.
Tinubu described the Offa, Kwara State-born activist as a patriot whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle and nation-building would not be forgotten, recalling that he spent his 50th birthday in detention because of his opposition to military rule.
“I recall that his 50th birthday was marked in the cell where the anti-democratic forces detained him over his agitation for democracy. That ugly situation was what moved me to gather our people together to celebrate his 60th birthday during my time as governor of Lagos State,” the President said.
Tinubu said Opadokun’s “life of sacrifice, courage and patriotism” in the struggle for democracy was a testament to his character and convictions.
“From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the conference hall of national discourse, Chief Opadokun has remained consistent, principled and unwavering in his commitment to good governance, federalism and the rule of law.
“As a comrade-in-arms in the fight against military dictatorship, I recall with pride the shared sacrifices and the resolve that ultimately birthed the Fourth Republic, now in its 27th year and still counting.”
Tinubu recalled Opadokun’s role as a leading voice and organiser in NADECO and Afenifere during the campaign against military dictatorship and the persecution and detention he suffered under the regime of late Gen. Sani Abacha.
“Chief Opadokun’s consistency, wisdom and commitment to national unity continue to inspire younger generations. He remains unrelenting in his advocacy for a true federal constitutional democracy,” he said.
The President also commended the celebrator for documenting aspects of Nigeria’s political history through his books, including Gun Hegemony and his memoir, The NADECO Story.
According to Tinubu, the works provide historical accounts of military intervention and civil-military relations and serve as reminders of what he described as a dark period in the country’s history.
Abdulsalami, in his tribute, described Opadokun as a global icon of popular rule who made significant sacrifices for the survival and growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Osoba similarly recalled the risks Opadokun faced during the struggle against military dictatorship, including his arrest after his hiding place was reportedly exposed.
“The democracy we are enjoying today, we must go to history and his name will be written in gold as one of those who made it possible,” Osoba said.
Opadokun attended the thanksgiving service accompanied by his wife, Mary Nike, children, relatives, friends and associates.
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The service was officiated by Lead Pastor of Ikate Baptist Church, Joseph Adetutu, assisted by other clerics.
Apart from musical renditions by the congregation, a documentary chronicling Opadokun’s life and involvement in politics, democracy activism, law, journalism, church and community service was shown.
A commemorative book, Ayo Opadokun at 80: Testimonies of Impacts, was also presented by former Rivers State Commissioner for Energy, Dawari George.
Opadokun, who once served as music director of Ikate Baptist Church, also received tributes for his contributions outside politics and the pro-democracy struggle.
A member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, David Ogunniyi, described him as a man of honour and integrity who had provided guidance to younger politicians.
Secretary of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Samuel Adeola, described Opadokun as a disciplined man who had groomed equally disciplined mentees and built enduring legacies.
Adeola presented the celebrator with a specially customised Bible.
Human rights activist, Joe Okei-Odumakin, described Opadokun as an “encyclopedia of positive activism” and a “people’s general” who consistently demonstrated courage during the struggle against military dictatorship.
“During that period, he spoke truth to power. He is a great patriot; a warrior of democracy. He has remained incorruptible,” she said.
Kehinde Babarinde, who delivered the sermon, said while human beings bestowed awards, the ultimate reward came from God.
He said Opadokun had devoted much of his life to breaking barriers through political advocacy and defending justice and enduring values.
Babarinde also acknowledged Opadokun’s contribution to the church, particularly his involvement in music and mentoring.
Among those at the celebration were former University of Lagos Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Duro Oni; veteran journalist, Nojeem Jimoh; Okei-Odumakin; Ogunniyi; and several political, professional, community and religious leaders.
The celebration highlighted Opadokun’s decades-long journey from journalism and political activism to becoming one of the prominent figures in the campaign against military rule and for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election mandate.
