Prominent Nigerian leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, were among the dignitaries who gathered in Isanya-Ogbo, Ijebu, Ogun State, to pay their final respects to elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
Also in attendance were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dr. Peter Obi; NADECO General Secretary, Chief Ayo Opadokun; and former Lagos Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Akerele-Bucknor. They joined Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun in honouring the late Yoruba leader, who was laid to rest at his residence around 1:54 p.m.
At the funeral service held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Governor Abiodun hailed Adebanjo as a tireless advocate of true federalism and democracy. “He was a dogged crusader of true federalism and a vocal opponent of military rule,” he said, adding that Adebanjo’s legacy would continue to inspire Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“He stood firm against injustice, corruption, and impunity, becoming a moral compass in our political landscape. His voice was not only for the Yoruba but for all Nigerians,” the governor stated.
In his sermon, Archbishop of the Lagos Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Remo, The Most Rev’d Dr Olusina Fape, described Adebanjo as a purposeful leader who championed equity, justice, and national unity throughout his life. He lamented that with the loss of ideological leaders like Adebanjo and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nigeria risks drifting into a political system lacking clear ideology.
“Chief Adebanjo lived with purpose and fearlessly fought for a better Nigeria,” Fape said, referencing John 18:37–38 to emphasize his message.
Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in a message read at the ceremony, praised Adebanjo as a consistent federalist and staunch democrat. He noted that his legacy of principle and patriotism would be hard to replace.
Abubakar encouraged the family and Nigerians at large to draw strength from the ideals Adebanjo lived and died for.
