Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola have paid tribute to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a great man, a committed nationalist, an effective representative of his people and an unpretentious personality.
The former President in a tribute made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi stated that the news came to him as a shock, lamenting his passing was “no doubt, a huge loss not only to me and to Ogun State but also to the country as a whole.
“The unfortunate news came to me as a shock because when last I visited him on February 3, 2025 at his Lekki residence, though he was in such a fragile state, I had no inkling he would leave us so soon. His transition is, no doubt, a huge loss not only to me and to Ogun State but also to the country as a whole. He was a great man, a committed nationalist and an effective representative of his people.
“Looking back, Chief Adebanjo had a highly successful career with selfless service rendered to his community, State and, indeed, the entire nation. As a foundation member of the Action Group Party (A.G.), he will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and patriot who has given his best as an active community leader and an exemplary politician with integrity and one who has demonstrated that politics is an avenue not for mindless enrichment but for rendering faithful service to humanity.
Obasanjo noted that Adebanjo’s “commitment to enthroning democracy in our dear country, his tenacity in the face of daunting odds and mortal risk to his life is very common knowledge, and these mark him out as a courageous political leader and true patriot. Not surprisingly, he had come to be regarded as one of our most notable elder statesmen, who had an enviable track record of purposefulness, honesty and integrity to bear in promoting the cause of national unity.”
The former President recalled that: “As a democratically-elected President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, we both sometimes disagreed to agree to committedly regenerate and reposition our country to meet the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people and chart the course to our nation’s glorious future. He was such an unpretentious personality! His thoughts, utterances and deeds were completely devoid of political partisanship. He had friends from all over the country and he led a life filled with remarkable experiences.
“Until his death, he fought with courage and tenacity to see to the restructuring of the Nigerian nation through which good governance based on democratic principles and practice and leading to unity in diversity, justice and equity, political stability, nationalism, popular participation, peace and security and socio-economic progress with strong leadership would be enshrined.
“It is unfortunate that his dream to see this through couldn’t be actualised in his lifetime. Indeed, Chief Adebanjo’s contributions to the strengthening of our fledgling democracy will be missed by the entire nation.
“My family and I commiserate with his immediate and extended family members on this painful loss and pray that God will grant them and the rest of us, his friends and admirers, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May the soul of our very dear Chief Adebanjo rest in perfect peace, Amen.
“I will undoubtedly miss my amazing and beloved Egbon Ayo, with the hope to continue to hold on to the good and remarkable memories we had together, till we meet to part no more,” Obasanjo stated.
Ambassador Sarafa Isola also extended condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, who died on Friday, 13th February, 2025.
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.”
Read the full statement below:
Ambassador Isola Mourns a Nationalist: The Demise of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo
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.
