Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a towering figure in Nigerian politics, a revered nationalist, lawyer, and elder statesman whose life was defined by an unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and the advancement of Nigeria.
Born on April 10, 1928, in Isanya Ogbo, a village near Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria, Pa Ayo Adebanjo emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential voices in the country’s socio-political landscape.
He passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, courage, and advocacy that continues to inspire generations.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s early life was rooted in the rich cultural traditions of the Yoruba people, specifically the Ijebu subgroup.
He began his education at Saint Saviour’s Primary School in Elegbaata, Lagos, between 1934 and 1935, before moving to Holy Trinity School in Ebute Ero in 1937.
He later attended Cathedral School in Lagos until 1943.
His thirst for knowledge and passion for justice led him to the United Kingdom in 1959, where he studied law and was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London, in 1961.
Returning to Nigeria, Adebanjo leveraged his legal expertise not only as a profession but as a tool for political activism and social advocacy.
His political journey began in the 1940s, shaped by the nationalist fervor of the time.
Initially a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the Zikist movement in 1943, Adebanjo later aligned himself with Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1951, joining the Action Group (AG), a progressive political party in Nigeria’s First Republic.
This marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to “Awoism,” a political philosophy rooted in federalism, social welfare, and regional autonomy.
His loyalty to Awolowo’s ideals remained unshaken throughout his career, earning him the reputation as one of the last original Awoists.
Adebanjo’s political activism was not without peril.
During the crisis that led to the trial of Awolowo and other Action Group leaders for treasonable felony in the early 1960s, Adebanjo was among those targeted.
To escape persecution, he fled to Ghana in 1962, where he lived in exile while his father was arrested and detained by Nigerian authorities as a means of intimidation.
Despite these challenges, Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s resolve only strengthened.
He returned to Nigeria and continued his advocacy, playing pivotal roles in subsequent political movements, including the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic and the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the late 1990s.
One of Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s most significant contributions came during Nigeria’s struggle against military dictatorship in the 1990s.
Following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election—widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola—Adebanjo joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to demand the restoration of democracy.
His courage and militancy during this period, under the oppressive regime of General Sani Abacha, solidified his status as a fearless defender of democratic principles.
Alongside figures like Abraham Adesanya and Ganiyu Dawodu, he endured harassment, detention, and threats to his life, yet remained steadfast.
As a leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Adebanjo championed the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure true federalism and greater autonomy for its constituent units.
He believed that the country’s centralized governance structure was a root cause of its stagnation and persistently called for a return to the federal principles enshrined in Nigeria’s early constitutions.
His leadership in Afenifere also saw him advocating for Yoruba interests within the broader national framework, though he was never a tribalist.
His endorsement of Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, over candidates from his own Yoruba ethnic group, underscored his commitment to national unity, equity, and competence over ethnic loyalty.
Beyond politics, Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a man of discipline and principle.
He enjoyed a stable marriage of over 60 years, reflecting his dedication to family values.
Even in his advanced years, he maintained a rigorous daily exercise routine, including road walks and aerobics, which kept him physically and mentally sharp.
His bluntness and candor in discussing national issues earned him both admirers and critics, but he remained unfazed, always “telling it as it is”—a phrase that became the title of his autobiography.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s death on February 14, 2025, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, marked the end of an era.
Tributes from political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, highlighted his indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
Though he did not live to see the full realization of his vision for a restructured Nigeria, his life of service, resilience, and advocacy continues to serve as a beacon for those who seek a just and prosperous nation.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s legacy endures in the ideals he championed and the countless individuals he mentored, ensuring that his voice will echo through Nigeria’s future.
