By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Leader of Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his longtime associate and fellow leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

In a statement issued in Akure, Ondo State, Fasoranti described Adebanjo as a patriot par excellence, whose contributions to Nigeria’s independence, democracy, and political development remain indelible.

“It is with great shock and sorrow that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms, and political associate for upwards of 70 years,” Fasoranti stated.

He highlighted Adebanjo’s unwavering dedication to democracy, recalling his pivotal role in both Nigeria’s independence struggle and the restoration of democratic governance.

“A patriot par excellence, his contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy, shall remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history,” he added.

Fasoranti described Adebanjo as an unrelenting ideologue, who was committed to noble causes under the Afenifere platform, where he once served as Acting Leader.

“Chief Adebanjo was a custodian of positive values that define progressive politics in Nigeria,” Fasoranti stated.

As a staunch disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, Adebanjo upheld principles of good governance, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.

He was also a passionate advocate for restructuring, believing that only a truly federal Nigeria, built on justice and fairness, could meet the aspirations of its people.

“His advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria was borne out of the conviction that only a truly federal Nigeria, where justice and fairness are supreme, could fulfill the aspirations of the people,” Fasoranti concluded.

The Afenifere family, Fasoranti noted, will deeply miss the fallen hero, whose legacy of integrity, resilience, and progressive politics will continue to inspire generations to come.