The Executive Director of MCDN, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, announced the programme, which is supported by Nigeria LNG Limited, at its launch in Lagos last week.

After assessing participants’ career progress and identifying gaps affecting their growth, Otufodunrin explained that the journalists would receive personalised recommendations, participate in relevant training sessions, and gain access to mentoring, coaching, and other capacity-building support.

Presenting a report on the state of media career development, Otufodunrin said a survey conducted ahead of the launch revealed, among other findings, that many journalists in the country lacked mentorship, career direction, access to necessary information and data resources, as well as tools, training, and digital capacity.

Journalists who responded to the survey also identified safety, ethics and institutional constraints, as well as poor remuneration and financial instability, as major constraints hindering their career growth.

To address the identified challenges, Otufodunrin said beneficiaries of the programme would be provided with career strategy and clarity, a structured mentorship system, and improved access to opportunities.

They will also receive training in digital readiness, economic empowerment, and sustainability strategies.

Instead of selecting only 30 beneficiaries as originally planned, the Executive Director explained that MCDN decided to support all respondents due to the severity of the challenges they highlighted.

He thanked Nigeria LNG Limited for its support and urged participants to maximise the career-enhancement opportunities available to them.

“It is important for journalists to be intentional about achieving their career goals and aspirations instead of leaving things to chance,” Otufodunrin said, noting that the Media Career Check-up/Media Career Fix initiative was a wake-up call for journalists to take charge of their career development.

In her keynote address titled “Fixing You First: The Hard Truth About Building a Journalism Career in Nigeria,” Editor of Gist Nigeria and Career Mentor at BBC, Ms. Omotola Adebanjo, noted that until individual journalists addressed their own gaps, no newsroom, mentor, or opportunity would be sufficient.

While acknowledging the various crises facing journalism globally, Adebanjo said journalists should stop telling themselves that they would grow only when they joined the right newsroom.

“You don’t grow because of the newsroom; you grow because you decide to—then the newsroom will catch up with you,” she said.

She recommended “personal fixing” in areas such as skills ownership, visibility, adaptability, and financial responsibility.

Adebanjo, however, noted that news organisations also hax a role to play in supporting journalists’ development.

She urged organisations to stop treating journalists as replaceable labour, invest in training (not just output), and build structured mentorship pipelines.

Media organisations should also reward innovation, not just routine reporting and protect editorial independence, she said.

The launch attracted both physical and virtual participants from across the country.

Special guests at the programme included a Board of Trustees member of MCDN, Alhaja Sekinat Lawal; Founder of The Journalism Clinic and Executive Director of Media Mentors Leadership Academy, Ms. Joke Kujenya; Executive Director of Illuminate Nigeria Development Network, Ms. Anikeade Funke Treasure; Founder of Debisibusybee Media, Mrs. Adebisi Adetunji; and the Executive Director of Media Mentors Network.

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The occasion was attended by many dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and a host of others.

Picture shows (L-R), Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele (Deputy Governor of Ogun State); Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State (2nd right)

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Obasanjo, Anyaoku and others paid tributes to Adebanjo at a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs organised in his honour in Lagos.

Adebanjo passed away on Feb, 14, aged 96.

He will be buried on Saturday in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun.

In his tribute, Obasanjo said Adebanjo’s death was a personal loss, describing him as a great man and a foremost nationalist.

“His transition is no doubt a huge loss, not only to me , to Ogun State, but also to the country as a whole. He was a great man, a committed nationalist.

“Adebanjo had a highly successful career, with selfless service lent to his community, state, and indeed the entire nation,” Obasanjo said.

According to him, the late Afenifere leader will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and a patriot who did his best for the country.

He added that throughout his political life, Adebanjo demonstrated that politics was not for personal enrichment, but for rendering faithful service to humanity.

In his tribute titled “Chief Ayo Adebanjo: A Symbol of Passion for a Successful Nigerian Project”, Anyaoku, who was represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ikenna Ikoli, said the death of the late Afenifere leader was the end of an epoch in the history of Nigeria.

The elder statesman said Adebanjo was a great nationalist, who believed in and worked for a united and progressive Nigeria.

“He (Adebanjo) was a disciple of one of the three founding fathers of Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and remained, to the very end, loyal to his leader’s legacy of campaigning for a truly federalist Nigeria in which the country’s different ethnic component parts can live in harmony, unity, and progressive development.

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“Chief Ayo Adebanjo had an unshakable belief in the capacity of Nigeria’s different ethnic groups to live together in one united country if their diversity is constructively addressed in the country’s constitution.

“This, I believe, was his reason for becoming a leading member of the Patriots, which is a group of experienced Nigerians who are committed to promoting the adoption of a national constitution,” he said.

According to him, Adebanjo, as leader of Afenifere, promoted collaboration with the leaders of the other Nigerian cultural organisations.

“His prominent role in the 2014 National Conference confirmed him as an indefatigable champion of national unity through an appropriate constitution. He must be counted as one of the heroes of Nigeria’s modern democracy,” he added.

In his tribute, Obi said that Adebanjo lived well and everyone should seek to be celebrated like him.

“Baba lived a life of value, cared in details for the poor in the society,” he said.

Speaking, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Attah, said that Adebanjo was the one that encouraged him to form the Compatriots and to bring all the socio-cultural groups in the east, in the west, and in the north together.

“At 86 years of age, I have very few regrets in life. But sadly, one of those regrets is that I did not meet Ayo Adebanjo earlier in my life,” he said.

Attah said that Adebanjo worked for the truth, equity, justice, and the people, adding he was  a pillar of advocacy for a restructured Nigeria and true federalism.

“He spoke his mind boldly and always spoke the truth, but not just to damn the consequences, but because he believed that the consequences would be good for everybody,” Attah said.

Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, described Adebanjo as Nigeria’s gladiator of truth who lived an impactful life.

Speaking, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, described Adebanjo as a man who set great standards in character, integrity and contentment.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, the chairman of the burial planning committee, said that Adebanjo yearned for a great Nigeria built on the foundation of true federalism and egalitarianism.

Shobanjo, who thanked President Bola Tinubu, South West governors  and National Assembly members for supporting his burial plans said that Adebanjo dedicated the greater part of his 96 years to Nigeria.

Also, the new Afenifere leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, described Adebanjo as an extraordinary leader, adding that he was a fearless patriot and a relentless advocate for justice.

“His was a life only dedicated to truth, equity, and unshaken belief in a better Nigeria – a life of unyielding principle,” Olaitan said.

Pastor Tunde Bakare of Global Community Citadel Church, in his sermon, stressed that life is ephemeral, urging everyone to live impactful lives.

“The best of men are still men and nothing but a vapour. We should live our lives accurately that when we leave here we will be missed. Our lives are frail. There is always an end,” the cleric said.

Leading prayers for Nigeria and family of Adebanjo,  Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor, Trinity House, said that the late Afenifere leader paid a huge sacrifice for the nation.

An array of other associates, friends and family members of late Adebanjo in their tributes, said that the late Yoruba leader lived a life of impact and touched many lives.

In his tribute, Adebanjo’s grandson, Mr Oloruntobi Atte, said that his grandpa mourned and rejoiced for Nigeria and sacrificed a lot for the nation at the expense of his life.

“He had the bravery to say it as it is. He used his voice to separate what was good and what was evil for this country. He gave us directions, we rejoice for his forthrightness,” the deceased’s grandson said.

Other dignitaries in attendance included former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo, Gbenga Daniel, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Olusegun Osoba and wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.

PDP’s chieftain, Bode George, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, Dr Joe Okei- Odumakin and Afenifere leaders were also present.

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The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement signed by two of Adebanjo’s children – Mrs Ayotunde Atteh and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.

Adebanjo died on February 14 at the age of 96 at his Lekki residence in Lagos.

The family said the funeral/church service would hold on  May 3 at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The thanksgiving service will follow at the same venue on May 4.

The Day of Tributes/Service of Songs is scheduled to hold at 2.00 p.m. on April 30 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The wake will hold on May 2 at 4.00 p.m. at Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s country home, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun.

The family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers received since his passing, and welcome well-wishers to participate in celebrating the life of their patriarch.

“The family invites friends, colleagues, political associates, and the general public to join them in paying final respects to a man whose courage, integrity, and unwavering belief in justice left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history,” the family said.

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It added: “Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, widely known as Chief Ayo Adebanjo or Pa Ayo Adebanjo, was born on April 10, 1928, in Ogun State, in the south-western region of Nigeria.

“He was born into the family of Joel Adebanjo Adedairo and Salamotu Odubanke.”

“His political journey began in 1943 as a member of the Zikist Movement, before joining the youth wing of the Action Group in 1951, where he became a political disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“Throughout his life, Chief Adebanjo remained a fearless advocate for democratic governance, true federalism, and Yoruba interests within the Nigerian federation.

“He will be remembered as a titan of Nigeria’s nationalist struggle and a principled voice in the country’s post-independence political evolution,” the family said.

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Afenifere group led by late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on Tuesday, unveiled Olaitan as his successor.

The group, in a statement on Wednesday jointly signed by its Chairman, Prof. Abisogun Leigh and Mr Afolayan Adebiyi, the Publicity Secretary, described Olaitan as a well-bred democrat and a committed progressive.

“As you assume the leadership of the Awolowo Progressives Family, we enjoin you to reach out to all the splinter groups and bring the vibrant and influential group.

“This is an opportunity for you to write your name in gold in the annals of Yoruba nation by ensuring you wake up all the sleeping structures who were part of the group, and make it the voice of the Yoruba nation once again.

“Afenifere cannot afford to remain at the background and should not by whatever circumstances remain docile in the scheme of things.

“We are convinced that you have the necessary experience and the wherewithal to achieve this,” the group said.

The body described Olaitan’s selection “as a perfect opportunity to elevate the group to the mainstream of activities in Yoruba nation and the country as a whole.”

The group noted the impact of the new acting leader of Afenifere “on the roundly successful administration of Jakande, first as Security Adviser and later Political Adviser at a youthful age.”

The duo said that Olaitan’s dynamic and active participation at the Federal House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, where he was the Minority Leader, would remain indelible.

According to the group, with the elevation, the new Afenifere leader is stepping into the larger than life shoes once worn by some of the best leaders the Yoruba nation has ever produced.

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It listed the leaders to include late Adekunle Ajasin, late Abraham Adesanya, late  Bola Ige and late Ayo Adebanjo.

The group said that by joining those titans and legends who had at one time or the other led the committee, Olaitan had a lot of responsibilities.

“It is not a tea party, rather, it is a call to service in the best ethos of the Committee of Afenifere.

“However, we believe in your ability and capacity to fill the role perfectly.

“Olaitan is well grounded in “the credo and ethos of our Patriarch, the late Sage, Pa Obafemi Awolowo (SAN, GCFR).

“These are service to man and humanity. You well espoused these virtues and ideals. We are proud of this.”

The group said that it had no doubt that the spirit behind the formation of the Committee of Afenifere was deep seated and well-rooted in Oba Olaitan.

It added: “His participation in the political activities and processes in Lagos since 1978 can well testify to this.

“His impact on the roundly successful administration of our patriarch, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, first as Security Adviser and later Political Adviser at a youthful age are well noted.

“We are glad that one of us is being recognized for his contribution to the apex body of the core Awoist Movement in Yorubaland.”

The group condoled Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Leader of the Committee of Afenifere and the entire family and friends of late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

Source: NAN

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Since Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo passed away on February 14 at 96, many have praised his significant contributions to Nigeria as a frontline nationalist, a key role player in the politics of the first and second republics, and an uncompromising devotee of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Active in the First Republic Action Group, the Second Republic Unity Party of Nigeria, and Alliance for Democracy from 1999, Baba Adebanjo fought tirelessly for democracy. He consistently advocated for true federalism and the country’s political and economic restructuring based on the 1963 Republican Constitution.

Pa Adebanjo was also a well-known activist who stood for equity, truth, and justice. He fought against all forms of injustice and oppression including military dictatorship.

In this respect, I recall his relationship with President Bola Tinubu.

When Asiwaju Tinubu, then a founding chieftain of the defunct AD, decided to run for Lagos governorship, Pa Adebanjo fully supported him, championing transparency in the process that produced him as the candidate of his party. Despite the initial opposition within the party, Baba Adebanjo and other young party members opted for open party primaries, helping Tinubu to emerge as the candidate. Tinubu went on to win the governorship election and was inaugurated on May 29, 1999.

Grateful for the support, Asiwaju maintained a strong relationship with Baba Adebanjo. Even when their political paths diverged, Tinubu held Baba in high regard. The President said this much in his incisive tribute to Pa Adebanjo, which I quote in part thus:

“In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.

“His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.

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“Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.”

Many in Tinubu’s position might have taken issue with Baba, who sometimes openly criticised him. But not Asíwájú. As an Omoluabi—a person of good character—Tinubu respects elders and institutions, giving honour where it’s due.

How do I know President Tinubu highly regarded Baba Adebanjo? As a journalist and editor, I was well-known to Baba Adebanjo. I interacted with and interviewed him on many occasions during my active years in journalism. So when I became Asiwaju’s Media Adviser, I became the envoy of sorts, the message-bearer for both. Baba Adebanjo would telephone me, saying, “Rahman, Rahman, so fun Oga e pe mo fe ri. To ba wu yin ke wa, to ba wu yin ke ma wa. Tie na la fe so fun,” meaning “Tell your Principal I would like to see him. If he likes, let him honour my invitation. It’s to his benefit if he comes.”

This incident underscores the critical role of aides in supporting leaders to function effectively. Aides must guide them accurately, as their actions and inactions can significantly impact leadership outcomes.

We visited Baba at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, several times. On other occasions, Baba called at Bourdillon, the Ikoyi residence of Asiwaju, along with his entourage.

There is, however, a hilarious and instructive story about the two, which speaks to the admiration and high regard President Tinubu had for Baba, which essentially is the focus of this article. It was during the 90th birthday of Baba Adebanjo, sometime in April 2018. I remember vividly that that particular birthday fell on a Sunday. But a birthday colloquium came up on a Thursday, three days before the actual birthday. We had lodged in our dairy for Asiwaju, the birthday lecture, as well as other activities and events lined up to celebrate the distinguished elder statesman. While focusing on the birthday date, I forgot the preceding Thursday event at Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Luckily for me, around 9am that Thursday, the traditional ruler of Oke-Ila in Osun State, Oba Dokun Abolarin, telephoned me, saying he was in Lagos and asking if Asiwaju was coming for the birthday lecture. Knowing I had failed to alert Asiwaju about the lecture the previous night, I smelled trouble.

I immediately raced to Bourdillion in Ikoyi. When I went upstairs to see Asiwaju, he was reading newspapers, oblivious of any early morning engagement that day, particularly that of Baba Adebanjo. I informed him about the event and apologised that I had my mind set on the birthday date on Sunday. The lecture was slated for 10 am, and time was already 10 am. Asiwaju, livid, sprung to his feet. By this time, my colleague Ademola Oshodi had joined me in Asiwaju’s room. Without any prompting, we prostrated and apologised again.

Those close to President Tinubu know he is a very proficient politician in Yoruba as he is in English, complete with street lingo. Still seething in anger, Asiwaju said in Yoruba, “Hen hen, idobale yin yen ni emi ma te’ bati. Ma de ibi lecture, won a ma so pe mo moo mo pe de ni ki nba le da ijoko won ru,” meaning, “So it’s this your prostrating that will now count. I will get to the event now, and they will allege that I deliberately came late so I can cause a stir and disrupt the lecture.”

Somehow, Asiwaju quickly prepared to attend despite our tight schedule as we were meant to travel to Abuja that same day. We got to the occasion around noon after the programme had been on for about two hours. One important personality I could not readily remember was on the podium.

Though we arrived late, Tinubu’s presence stirred excitement, and he delivered a heartfelt speech.

As President Tinubu predicted, his arrival caused a big stir and a temporary halt in the programme. As we made to leave, another commotion that did not subside even after our departure ensued. I suspect Asíwájú’s departure might have signaled the virtual end of the programme.

That was not the end of the story, though. A couple of days later, I heard Uncle Jimi Disu, a known Asiwaju critic, on his regular programme then on Classic FM, talking about Baba Adebanjo’s birthday lecture, alleging that Asíwájú ‘sauntered’ into the programme uninvited and disrupted the birthday lecture of the nonagenarian. I could not believe my ears. I went on that programme afterward to debunk what he said. I narrated what happened, that Asiwaju had tremendous respect for Baba and that he would have avoided the kind of situation that played out if I had briefed him of the timing of the programme.

This incident underscores the critical role of aides in supporting leaders to function effectively. Aides must guide them accurately, as their actions and inactions can significantly impact leadership outcomes. An oversight on my part unintentionally fuelled what would have resulted in animus between Baba Adebanjo and Tinubu.

*Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media, Publicity and Special Duties.

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Ambassador Isola in a condolence message said, “The death of a nationalist of Chief Adebanjo’s caliber signifies the end of an era, a loss of wisdom, and a void in the fabric of our society.”

He added that, “As a distinguished lawyer, politician, and Yoruba nationalist, Chief Adebanjo dedicated his life to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His unwavering commitment to a truly independent and progressive Nigeria inspired generations of leaders and citizens alike.”

He pointed out that “As we mourn the loss of this national icon, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure. His selfless life, spent in the service of God, nation, and humanity, will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable society.”

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His statement reads in full:

“On behalf of myself and my family, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, a foremost nationalist who passed away today at the age of 96. The demise of this visionary leader is a profound loss, not only to his loved ones but to the entire nation.

“The death of a nationalist of Chief Adebanjo’s caliber signifies the end of an era, a loss of wisdom, and a void in the fabric of our society. As a distinguished lawyer, politician, and Yoruba nationalist, Chief Adebanjo dedicated his life to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His unwavering commitment to a truly independent and progressive Nigeria inspired generations of leaders and citizens alike.

“Born on April 10, 1928, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Chief Adebanjo’s remarkable journey began as a journalist, before transitioning to law and eventually becoming a vocal figure in Nigerian politics. As a devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a leader of the Afenifere group, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of a better Nigeria until his passing.

“As we mourn the loss of this national icon, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure. His selfless life, spent in the service of God, nation, and humanity, will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable society.

“May the soul of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to build a better Nigeria.”

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In a statement he issued on Friday, Atiku said the foremost elder statesman was one of the few remaining nationalists of Nigeria.

Paying glowing tribute to him, he said Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.

The statement reads in full:

“I am saddened by the news of the passing away of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a foremost elder statesman and one of the few remaining nationalists of our country.

“The late Afenifere leader was a formidable force and a fearless fighter for justice, equity, and an egalitarian society.

“I can vividly recall the heroic role that Pa Adebanjo played in wresting power from the military and enthroning democratic governance in Nigeria. He was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship.

“It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against colonial rule; spent his middle age to fight against military dictatorship and his latter days to ensure that good governance, rule of law and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.

“I wish to state without equivocation that Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country.

“Apart from mentoring many generations of civil rights activists across different generations, Pa Adebanjo was an activist extraordinaire and bridge builder who led the battle against injustice and oppression from the trenches

“Undoubtedly, the life and times of Adebanjo remain a priceless map for contemporary and upcoming activists, who advocate for good governance to learn and take a cue from.

“He taught all of us how to be statesmen of distinction.

“My profound condolences go to the Adebanjo family. I admonish them to take solace in the fact that the patriarch who they mourn was a father to the whole country and a pride to the Black race. I also commiserate with the people and government of Ogun State.

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the gentle soul of the pioneer nationalist.”

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These are the words of President Bola Tinubu on the death of the chieftain of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

Adebanjo died Friday morning in his Lekki, Lagos State residence.

In a statement he personally signed, President Tinubu expressed sadness over the demise of Adebanjo, stressing that his principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, would be deeply missed.

Tinubu’s statement reads in full:

“I received the news of the passing of one of the Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow. Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.

“According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.

“All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.

“His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed. As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse. Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life—96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.

“Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.

“A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.

“In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.

“His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.

“Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.

“Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

“May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country.”

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He was 96 years old.

His death was confirmed in a statement signed by his children – Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo – for the family.

Adebanjo died on Friday at his Lekki, Lagos State residence.

The statement reads in part: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.

“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria home at the age of 96.”

“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 statement reads further.

The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be made public in due course.

Adebanjo is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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