By Clifford Ndujihe, Politics Editor

The late Chiefs Ayo Adebanjo and Edwin Kiagbodo Clark shared a vision with late elder statesman, Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, and a host of others. They wanted Nigeria restructured to true federalism and died fighting for the cause.

Asked in 2005 why he was still in the trenches at 82, waging a struggle that he started around the age of 21, Chief Enahoro said:“The youth of my generation set out to struggle for freedom, modernization, and democracy. As you know, we succeeded with freedom. We also succeeded, to a great extent, with modernization, but it is sad that Nigeria has had a deplorable record with democratization. We have failed so far.

Until that goal is realised, I consider it a betrayal of the dreams of my generation and colleagues, many of whom died in our struggles, to retreat. I refuse to believe that destiny has let me live so long in reasonable health for me to betray our struggle and selfishly confine myself to personal matters.”

Indeed, Enahoro continued the struggle for another five years until he died on December 15, 2010, at 87. Like him, Adebanjo and Clark waged the war for true federalism, restructuring, resource control, equity, justice, and fairness until they expired.

While Adebanjo died on February 14, 2025, aged 96, Clark joined him three days later, on February 17, aged 97.

Over the years, many distinguished Nigerians like the trio dedicated their lives to the fight for restructuring, advocating for true federalism, equity, and justice. Sadly, they passed on without witnessing the realisation of their vision for Nigeria. Below is a list of prominent figures who died while in pursuit of this cause:

• FRA Williams
• MCK Ajuluchukwu
• Abraham Adesanya
• Olanihun Ajayi
• Solanke Onasanya
• Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu
• Air Commodore Dan Suleiman
• Alhaji Balarabe Musa
• Dr. Frederick Fasehun
• Chief Mbazulike Amaechi
• Chief Guy Ikokwu
• Professor Ben Nwabueze
• Chief Anthony Enahoro
• Professor Kimse Okoko
• Chief Frank Kokori
• Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife
• Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu
• Dr. Tunji Braithwaite
• Dr. Tunji Otegbeye
• Professor George Obiozor
• Chief Francis Ellah
• Professor Ben Obumselu
• Professor Ejike Chiweite
• Mr. Yinka Odumakin
• Fighters and Crusaders Still Alive
• Obong Victor Attah
• Chief Emeka Anyaoku
• Professor Anya O. Anya
• Professor Wole Soyinka
• Professor Bola Akinyemi
• Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele
• Chief Supo Shonibare
• Senator Femi Okurounmu
• Chief Solomon Asemota
• Ms. Ann Kio-Briggs
• Professor Mike Ozekhome
• Mr. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko
• Chief Chekwas Okorie
• Alhaji Shettima Yerimma
• Comrade Wale Okunniyi
• Iba Gani Adams
• Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
• Chief Goddy Uwazuruike
• Professor Pat Utomi