Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the departed leader of the Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as an advocate of an equitable and progressive Nigeria.
Adebanjo died on Friday, February 14 at the age of 96.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, on Monday, the Vice President described Adebanjo as “a living bridge that connected us to the foundational struggles of our democracy.
Shettima hailed Adebanjo’s extensive contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, from his role as the Organising Secretary of the Action Group to his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition during the military era.
Shettima said, “We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an institution. His voice remained resolute and principled until his final days, consistently advocating for a more equitable and progressive Nigeria.”
The Vice President further described Adebanjo as one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s political history, whose departure marks a vital chapter of the country’s history because of the weight of his contributions to the nation’s democratic evolution.
He said, “In African tradition when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. Pa Adebanjo was indeed among one of the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to the foundational struggles of our democracy.”
Shettima extended his heartfelt condolences to Adebanjo’s family, particularly his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
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