Ayo Adebanjo: In death, he unites, by Kunle Oyatomi

Nigerians in their disparities are known to come together only when our national football teams are on the field and we need to cheer the lads and lasses to victory, regardless of differing tongues, tribes and politics. Even your class status, rich or poor, illiterate or literate, don’t matter. Your gender doesn’t come in at all. The beautiful game invites you, as long as you’re on the side of the players in green-white-green. Our differences of any type are pushed aside, and you would never hear of any other tune.
Nigerians are witnessing the same united stand over the death of Baba Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, popular known as Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who passed on at 96 in Lagos in the early hours of February 14, 2025. He was chieftain of Afenifere, the influential Pan-Yoruba group whose thunderous voice in Nigerian politics couldn’t be ignored. The whole nation is gripped in grief; the west, east, south and north are mourning a huge loss. No one has refrained from sorrowing, including those Adebanjo hit with his punches over political differences. That’s to say, no one has said, good riddance to bad rubbish.

Of course, the late Baba did have foes he hit hard. He never spared any. But, in death, these foes are remembering how his challenging opposition brought tangible meaning to our nation and its politics. So they are all hailing him, realizing they and all their compatriots would miss him and his priceless contribution to national discourse.
The consensus then is that the society needed (would always need) an Adebanjo. It follows that we must grieve collectively when they pass on. But such mourning must be celebratory, given the fact that such great citizens left behind not just good deeds, but also a good name, from which both the present and posterity can learn. It is what we grab from them

Among the mourners has been President Bola Tinubu, himself a progressive who worked in the trenches with the elderly Adebanjo and others to battle anti-democracy forces and military rule in the dark ages of military rule. Tinubu acknowledged Adebanjo’s greatness and nationalism, ‘’though our political paths diverged in later years.’’ The president said his ‘’respect and admiration for him never wavered.’’ Tinubu wrote in his tribute: ‘’In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO), as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance. His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999. Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy… Until his death, I shared a deep personal with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.’’

Peter Obi, presidential candidate in the 2023 poll under Labour Party, which Tinubu won, had the fiery backing of the Afenifere leader. Mourning, Obi said Adebanjo was ‘’a leader who remained committed to a united and progressive Nigeria.’’ He added: ‘’I remain deeply grateful for his support during my presidential campaign. His endorsement was a testament to his belief in equity and inclusiveness…The last time I spoke with him, his words left a lasting impression: ‘Always stand on the path of justice.’ That advice remains a guiding principle in my life.’’

When ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo chipped in, he recalled meeting the nonagenarian at his Lekki, Lagos residence on February 3, with no hint of death lurking around. Obasanjo said although he and Adebanjo occasionally disagreed during his tenure between 1999 and 2007, the late statesman was committed to ‘’regenerating and repositioning Nigeria.’’The former president said: ‘‘He was unpretentious. His thoughts, words, and actions were free of political bias. He had friends across the country and lived a life of remarkable experiences. He fought courageously for Nigeria’s restructuring, believing in governance based on democracy, justice, equity, stability and national unity. It is unfortunate that he did not live to see this dream fulfilled…He will be missed by the entire nation.’’

Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku has also said he is saddened by the death of Pa Adebanjo, whom he described as ‘’a formidable force and a fearless fighter.’’ Atiku added: ‘’It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against the colonial rule; spent his middle age fighting military dictatorship, and his latter days ensuring that good governance, rule of law, and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria.’’

Ndigbo Lagos group has also identified with these views of Adebanjo as a detribalized national figure. Ndigbo declared in a statement: ‘’Pa Adebanjo’s labored friendship with Ndigbo was a testament to his belief in a united yet diverse Nigeria. He stood as a bridge between the Southwest and the Southeast, fostering dialogue and understanding between the regions. His support for Peter Obi… further underscored his commitment to meritocracy, justice, and the empowerment of all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or creed…These ideals resonated deeply with Ndigbo Lagos, particularly in his advocacy for true federalism.’’

From the north through the east, west and south, we’ve seen how all of Nigeria’s leading figures led by President Tinubu have cast aside partisanship in order to honour a departed patriot who gave his all to serve the motherland and her citizens. Like Nigerian football fans coming together to cheer their national team, we’ve all downed our narrow minds for a higher service to mourn a hero.
That’s the mindset we should always adopt in the huge task of building our country to a height of greatness. When it comes to monumental tasks like nation-building, we should join hands with our leaders and with each other, jettisoning sectionalism that limits our sights and vision to short-term considerations. Let’s learn from the unity of soccer fans and the overwhelming national consensus of opinion about Pa Adebanjo at his death. Let’s throw the same fervor and commitment into rebuilding Nigeria.

Oyatomi Esq., is on the Board of the Independent Media and Policy Initiative, IMPI, a think tank based in Abuja.