By Dapo Akinrefon

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Friday described the passing of foremost Afenifere leader and staunch Awoist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as a monumental loss. He likened the late Yoruba leader to an Iroko tree, whose voice resonated across Nigeria.

In a statement, Adams expressed deep sorrow over Adebanjo’s death, emphasizing that it has created a significant vacuum in the socio-political landscape, depriving the Yoruba people of a powerful and unwavering voice.

“I received with great shock the news of the passing of a foremost Yoruba son—an uncompromising leader, a repository of political history in Yorubaland, and an apostle of true federalism—the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Adams said.

“His death is a monumental loss, creating a void in the socio-political space and depriving the Yoruba people of a strong voice in national affairs. In his passing, we have lost a great deal, considering his modest lifestyle, wisdom, and outspokenness.”

Adams described Adebanjo as a true disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who remained steadfast in advocating for true federalism and was deeply committed to Awolowo’s ideals.

“The late Pa Adebanjo was a man of courage and conviction. He had a lion’s heart—fearless and unwavering in his beliefs. Throughout his life, he symbolized integrity and hard work,” Adams added.

Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late Afenifere leader, Adams recalled how Adebanjo’s life reminded him of the loss of his friend and Adebanjo’s adopted son, the late Yinka Odumakin, who was also dedicated to the fight for justice and fairness in Nigeria.

“When a people lose such a leader—an unapologetic Awoist, a man who spoke truth to power—you can understand the magnitude of the loss,” Adams noted.

“However, I take solace in the fact that Baba Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life as a man of integrity and principle. He would be pleased knowing that he did his best for the Yoruba people. For those of us still alive, the struggle to address the injustices and imbalances in Nigeria continues, even after his passing. We will not relent in promoting the ideals for which the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived and died,” he concluded.