A Rousing Farewell for the Afenifere Leader at a Gathering of Prominent Figures
Attendees at Pa Ayo Adebanjo's Funeral: A Roundup of Distinguished Personalities
In a moving tribute to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a multitude of VIPs and notable personalities convened last Saturday at St. Philip Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, to honor his memory during his funeral service.
According to our source, the funeral ceremony for the esteemed elder statesman who breathed his last on February 14, 2025, in Lagos, occurred on May 3, 2025.
The who's who of politics and government graced the occasion, with the attendance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the first presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his counterpart in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and many more notables.
The national stage was also filled with the presence of previous governors Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardozo, former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, among other notable figures.
As the crowd gathered in sincere remembrance, Governor Abiodun took to the stage to lament the absence of the unyielding advocate for true federalism. His remarks shed light on Adebanjo's unwavering championing of regional integration, devolution of powers, and restructuring.
Governor Abiodun praised Adebanjo's steadfastness, integrity, commitment to justice, and steadfastness in fostering a united and democratically governed nation.
"Chief Adebanjo was a fearless crusader for true federalism. With tireless determination, he argued against the entrenched system of government in Nigeria that created economic imbalance and fostered ethnic tension," said Governor Abiodun.
"Under his tutelage, the Pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, was revitalized, becoming a powerful force renowned for its democratic wisdom and commitment to regional integration, restructuring, and Federal system reform," he continued.
"Beyond politics, he stood firm against nepotism, corruption, and impunity whenever they surfaced, serving as a moral compass for all by loudly denouncing them," the governor added.
"As Nigeria takes its steps towards democratic consolidation, the life exemplar of Chief Ayo Adebanjo remains an unparalleled blueprint for this nation. His ideals will live forever in the hearts of countless people, and his contributions shall continue to pave the way for building a just, unified, and genuinely federal nation," stated Governor Abiodun.
The chaplain for the service, Bishop Michael Fape, was the speaker for the day, delivering a powerful sermon that resonated deeply with the attendees.
You might be interested in:
- 2014 Confab: Tensions arise between George and Tinubu[5][6]
- Afenifere and Seyi: Misunderstandings clarified[7]
- NANS and Afenifere: Differences acknowledged [8]
- The impact of uneducated youths, foreign influence, and poor governance on insecurity[9]
- Tinubu's governance under scrutiny[10]
- The alliance between Afenifere and the Action Congress[11]
- In the midst of a somber gathering, high-profile figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, and Peter Obi, the first presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, paid their respects to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, at a funeral service held in St. Philip Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
- Governor Abiodun, in his eulogy, highlighted Adebanjo's unwavering commitment to true federalism, regional integration, devolution of powers, and restructuring. He praised Adebanjo's steadfastness, integrity, and dedication to justice.
- Governor Abiodun also acknowledged Adebanjo's role as a moral compass against nepotism, corruption, and impunity. He stated that Adebanjo's life serves as an unparalleled blueprint for Nigeria, with his ideals living forever in the hearts of numerous people and his contributions paving the way for a just, unified, and genuinely federal nation.
- Bishop Michael Fape, the chaplain for the service, delivered a powerful sermon that resonated deeply with the attendees.
- The event sparked an interest in exploring related topics such as the tensions between George and Tinubu during the 2014 Confab, misunderstandings between Afenifere and Seyi, differences acknowledged by NANS and Afenifere, and the impact of uneducated youths, foreign influence, and poor governance on insecurity.
- The alliance between Afenifere and the Action Congress, as well as Tinubu's governance, have also come under scrutiny in general news and political discussions.
