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Tag: ADEBANJO

  • Service of Songs: Obasanjo, Anyaoku, Obi, others celebrate Adebanjo

    Service of Songs: Obasanjo, Anyaoku, Obi, others celebrate Adebanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Commonwealth General-Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on Wednesday joined other eminent Nigerians to celebrate the life and contributions of the late Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

    Obasanjo, Anyaoku and others paid tributes to Adebanjo at a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs organised in his honour in Lagos .

    Recall that Adebanjo passed away on Feb, 14, aged 96.

    He will be buried on Saturday in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun.

    In his tribute, Obasanjo said  Adebanjo’s death was as a personal loss,describing him as a great man and a foremost nationalist.

    “His transition is no doubt a huge loss, not only to me , to Ogun state, but also to the country as a whole. He was a great man, a committed nationalist.

    “Adebanjo had a highly successful career, with selfless service lent to his community, state, and indeed the entire nation,” Obasanjo said.

    According to him, the late Afenifere leader  will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and a patriot  who did his best for the country.

    He added that though out his political life,  Adebanjo demonstrated that politics was not for personal enrichment, but for rendering faithful service to humanity.

    In his tribute titled “Chief Ayo Adebanjo: A Symbol of Passion for a Successful Nigerian Project”, Anyaoku, who was represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ikenna Ikoli, said the death of the late Afenifere leader was the end of an epoch in the history of Nigeria.

    The elder statesman  said Adebanjo was a great nationalist, who believed in and worked for a united and progressive Nigeria.

    “He (Adebanjo) was a disciple of one of the three founding fathers of Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and remained, to the very end, loyal to his leader’s legacy of campaigning for a truly federalist Nigeria in which the country’s different ethnic component parts can live in harmony, unity, and progressive development.

    “Chief Ayo Adebanjo had an unshakable belief in the capacity of Nigeria’s different ethnic groups to live together in one united country if their diversity is constructively addressed in the country’s constitution.

    “This, I believe, was his reason for becoming a leading member of the Patriots, which is a group of experienced Nigerians who are committed to promoting the adoption of a national constitution,” he said.

    According to him, Adebanjo,as leader of Afenifere ,promoted  collaboration with the leaders of the other Nigerian cultural organisations.

    “His prominent role in the 2014 National Conference confirmed him as an indefatigable champion of national unity through an appropriate constitution. He must be counted as one of the heroes of Nigeria’s modern democracy,” he added.

    In his tribute, Obi said that Adebanjo lived well and everyone should seek to be celebrated like him.

    “Baba lived a life of value, cared in details for the poor in the society.”he said.

    Speaking, a former  governor of Akwa Ibom,, Obong Attah, said that Adebanjo was the one that encouraged him to form the Compatriots and to bring all the socio-cultural groups in the east, in the west, and in the north together.

    “At 86 years of age, I have very few regrets in life. But sadly, one of those regrets is that I did not meet Ayo Adebanjo earlier in my life,” he said

    Attah said that Adebanjo worked for the truth, equity, justice, and the people, adding he was  a pillar of advocacy for a restructured Nigeria and true federalism.

    “He spoke his mind boldly and always spoke the truth , but not just to damn the consequences, but because he believed that the consequences would be good for everybody,” Attah said.

    Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank ,described Adebanjo as Nigeria’s gladiator of truth who lived an  impactful life.

    Speaking, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, described Adebanjo as a man who set great standards in  character, integrity and contentment.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Biodun Shobanjo, the Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, said that Adebanjo yearned for a great Nigeria built on the foundation of true federalism and egalitarianism.

    Shobanjo, who thanked President Bola Tinubu, South West governors  and National Assembly members for supporting his burial plans , said that Adebanjo dedicated the greater part of his 96 years to Nigeria.

    Also, the new Afenifere Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, described Adebanjo as an extraordinary leader, adding he was a fearless patriot and a relentless advocate for justice.

    “His was a life only dedicated to truth, equity, and unshaken  belief in a better Nigeria- a life of unyielding principle,” Olaitan said.

    Pastor Tunde Bakare of Global Community Citadel Church, in his sermon ,stressed that life is ephemeral ,urging  everyone to live impactful lives.

    “The best of men are still men and nothing but a vapour. We should live our lives accurately that when we leave here we will be missed. Our lives are frail. There is always an end,” the cleric said.

    Leading prayers for Nigeria and  family of Adebanjo,  Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor , Trinity House, said that the late Afenifere leader paid a huge sacrifice for the nation.

    NAN reports that an array of other associates, friends and family members of late Adebanjo in their tributes, said that the late Yoruba leader lived a life of impact and touched many lives.

    In his tribute, Adebanjo’s grandson, Mr Oloruntobi Atte, said that his grandpa mourned and rejoice for Nigeria and sacrificed a lot for the nation at the expense of his life.

    “He had the bravery to say it as it is. He used his voice to separate what was good and what was evil for this country. He gave us directions, we rejoice f forthrightness,” the deceased’s grand son said.

    Other dignitaries in attendance included former govs. Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo, Gbenga Daniel, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Olusegun Osoba and wife of Ogun Gov. Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.

    PDP’chieftain, Bode George, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, Dr Joe Okei- Odumakin, Afenifere leaders were also present.

  • Afenifere Leader, Ayo Adebanjo to be buried on May 3, family confirms

    Afenifere Leader, Ayo Adebanjo to be buried on May 3, family confirms

    Frontline nationalist and elder statesman, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, will be buried in his hometown, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on May 3, 2025.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Ms Ayotunde Ayo-Adebanjo, Mrs Adeola Azeez, and Mr Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo on behalf of his family.
    Adebanjo passed away on Friday, February 14, at 96.

    According to the statement, proceedings will commence with a Day of Tributes/Service of Songs at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The burial ceremony is scheduled for Friday, beginning with a wake at Ayo Adebanjo’s country home, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, followed by the interment and a reception for guests at his residence.

    The statement urged friends, family members, political and business associates, as well as the general public, to support the family with prayers for a befitting burial.

    It reads: “We covet your prayers for the family and your professional support as we continue with preparations to give him a most befitting burial. We also look forward to your esteemed presence at all the events. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

  • Three days after Adebanjo’s death, Afenifere mourns EK Clark

    Three days after Adebanjo’s death, Afenifere mourns EK Clark

    The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Tuesday said it received the passing of foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, with great shock.

    Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) died on Monday in Abuja at 97 exactly three days after his ally and factional leader of Afenifere, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo died at age 96.

    Reacting, Mr Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere said on Tuesday in Lagos that  Clark was passionate about Nigeria, just like the late Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

    “We received the news of the demise of Pa Edwin Clark with shock the same way the  we received the news of the demise of our leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,

    “Clark was very deep, and, of course, very fearless. He was a patriot par excellence. Nigeria meant so much to him.

    “The issues that have to do with the people were of great concern to him.He will be greatly missed, because he was a strong,influential  voice” Ajayi said.

    Ajayi, who conveyed the condolences of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said Clark would forever be remembered for his contributions to the country.

    “Pa Edwin Clark was an active player in tbe  Nigerian political scene ,even when he was very old he was still very active

    “He (Clark) never shied away from commenting or expressing his opinion on any issue of national importance.

    “So, we, in Afenifere, will also miss him, just like we know that other people in the South-South, in particular, in Nigeria, as a whole, will miss him,” Afenifere spokesman said.

    Clark was a former federal commissioner for information and prominent Ijaw leader.

    A distinguished lawyer, activist, and politician, Clark was a formidable voice for the South-South region and the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

    He founded PANDEF and co-led the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), advocating justice, equality, and human rights.

  • I can assure you there is no President-elect – Afenifere leader, Adebanjo

    I can assure you there is no President-elect – Afenifere leader, Adebanjo

    Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has said the nation has no President-elect despite announcing Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress winner of the February 25 presidential election by INEC.

    In a recent interview with Arise TV, Pa Adebanjo insisted that what the country currently have is “a sham that will be pulled in due course.”

    He said, “It is just the result of a bad government. A disaster that God will help us to get rid of. I can assure you there is no President-elect at all; it is just a sham that should be pulled in due course.

    “This is a game we all see. We are all living witnesses to it. Why don’t you [INEC] follow the laws that will guide the elections?”

    The 95-year-old said Tinubu’s camp in their attempt to reply to the groundswell of criticisms that trialed his controversial announcement as the winner of the presidential election, picked up the messengers and leave the messages which is the main issue.

  • Step aside as Afenifere leader, Group tells Adebanjo

    Step aside as Afenifere leader, Group tells Adebanjo

    A group, under the aegis of Concerned Oodua Defendants, has called on Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the acting Leader of Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, to step aside.

    Its South-West Coordinator, Mr Lai Gboluaje, made the call in Ibadan, while leading a protest staged against the continuity of Adebanjo as leader of Afenifere.

    Adebanjo became the acting leader of the organisation after Chief Reuben Fasoranti stepped aside on account of old age.

    Gboluaje said the call became necessary for the sustainability of Yoruba heritage.

    He stressed that whoever would lead Afenifere must be in support of whatever Yoruba people stands for.

    “We have watched with dismay, disappoinment and sadness how noble ideal of Afenifere founding fathers had been bastardised in the last one year.

    “We can no longer fold our arms and watch our noble heritage going into mud. If we do, the likes of Pa Awolowo, Pa Ajasin, Pa Adesanya, Pa Ige, will not forgive us,” he said.

  • Forget Nigeria if Obi does not become president in 2023 – Adebanjo

    Forget Nigeria if Obi does not become president in 2023 – Adebanjo

    National leader of Afenifere, a pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has said that everyone should forget about Nigeria if Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi does not win the 2023 election.

    He noted that Southerners would not fall for the plot by the Northern Elders Forum to impose another northerner on Nigerians.

    Adebanjo said this on Saturday at the venue of the Obi-Datti rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos.

    He said, “If Obi does not become president in 2023, then we may as well forget Nigeria. The Northern elders now say I want to impose Obi on them. They want to impose a Northerner on us and we are saying No!”.

    “We are not here to sing and dance like the other parties. We must talk about how best to make this country work. We should be talking about how to remove area boys from the streets and provide jobs for them”.

  • 2023: Fasoranti clarifies, says Adebanjo still Afenifere’s acting leader

    2023: Fasoranti clarifies, says Adebanjo still Afenifere’s acting leader

     

    The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, has said that he was misinterpreted in the media on the issue between himself and the acting leader of the group, Ayo Adebanjo.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports Fasoranti said he never stopped Adebanjo from being the acting leader of the group.

    A crisis has hit the group as Pa Fasoranti on Sunday endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, while Adebanjo had earlier declared support for the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, on behalf of the association.

    In a statement issued on Thursday through his Personal Assistant, Mr Adedapo Abiola, in Akure, Fasoranti said some section of the media’s report was untrue on the matter.

    The statement read, “It has come to Papa Reuben Fasonranti’s knowledge that some sections of the media, especially the social media, have been ascribing to him false statements designed to cause confusion and polarise Afenifere.

    “I have Papa’s permission to say that he has not said Chief Ayo Adebanjo is no longer the acting leader of Afenifere nor that all future Afenifere meetings should henceforth be held at his residence in Akure.

    “Papa’s main concern is the interest of the Yoruba in the complex political situation in Nigeria. It is also his concern that Afenifere should survive in dignity and remain a purveyor of the interest of the Yoruba race.”

  • 2023: You’re a responsible character, I’ve no doubt, You’ll make a good leader, Bode George tells Anyim

    2023: You’re a responsible character, I’ve no doubt, You’ll make a good leader, Bode George tells Anyim

    …as Anyim consults with Yoruba leaders

    …visits Gani Adams, Adebanjo

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Chief Bode George described former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as a responsible character considering his impeccable track record in administration.

    Anyim, a frontline aspirant, on Friday took his consultations to the South-West where he met with top leaders of the Yoruba race.

    Anyim, who is aspiring on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), kicked off his consultations with the leader of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, at his Lagos home.

    Anyim also visited Chief Olabode George, former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.

    The visit to the three leaders is the commencement of his wider consultations with South-West leaders.

    Anyim, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), told Gani Adams that he had come to consult with him on his aspiration to lead the country after President Muhammadu Buhari and to seek his blessing.

    Aare Gani Adams who was happy at the visit prayed for Anyim and wished him well in his political aspiration.

    Chief Bode George said Anyim has the requisite character and competence to lead the country.

    “You are a highly responsible character. You became the Senate President, the country’s number three citizen. You were in the federal civil service. You were Secretary to the Government of the Federation. So you have gathered experience, capacity, character, knowledge. I have no doubt in my mind that you will be a good leader.”

    Chief George advised Anyim to preach peace on his campaign tours.

    “I know you as a first class planner. It shall be well with you,” he said.

    Anyim had told Chief George that he came to seek his blessings and to formally inform him of his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election.

    Addressing George who is a founding member of the PDP, Anyim said: “One unique thing to watch out for in 2023 is that the children of democracy in 1999 are stepping in to take charge.

    “On the surface, it may look ordinary but it is significant. I am one of the children of democracy. We want to advance the legacies you, the founding fathers of PDP and this democracy, bequeathed to us.

    “We can rebuild and refocus this nation and advance the cause of democracy. The country must move forward as a united entity but on the three building blocks of equity, fairness and justice.

    “I have come for you to show me the way, to carry me on your back across the bridge.”

    Bode George wished him well.

    “I want to tell you that my back is big enough to carry you. I wish you well.”

    George who lent his support to zoning said, “Our brothers from the Southeast must come together and have a direction. There must be no spoilers. By whatever parameter, what is good for the goose, must also be good for the gander.

    Anyim told Pa Adebanjo that he came to consult with him and seek his blessings.

  • Afenifere leader, Adebanjo details how he built Lekki home; invites EFCC to investigate source of Tinubu, Akande’s wealth

    Afenifere leader, Adebanjo details how he built Lekki home; invites EFCC to investigate source of Tinubu, Akande’s wealth

    Leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on Thursday blasted former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, for saying he (Adebanjo) pestered national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, to build him a house in Lekki, where he now resides.

    The 93-year-old Afenifere leader, who explained how he gathered funds to build his Lekki residence, also asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the sources of the wealth of Tinubu and Akande.

    Adebanjo stated this at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday in response to the allegation made against him by Akande in his 559-page autobiography, titled ‘My Participations’, launched in Lagos last week. In attendance at the book launch include Tinubu; the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; amongst others.

    “One day, Sir Olaniwun (Ajayi) was launching a book at Muson Centre, Lagos. After the book presentation, Tinubu said I should not go and that he would like to see me. We met in a small room where he also invited Sir Olaniwun Ajayi. ‘Papa, you can see that this document is old, Tinubu said as he handed over a big envelope to Ajayi. This is your C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)!’

    “Tinubu told me later that after he presented Adebanjo’s C of O to him, Adebanjo was always pestering Tinubu until he helped built a house on the plot. The street was also named in honour of Adebanjo and he is living in that house now at Lekki Phase One,” Akande had alleged.

    Reacting at the press conference, Adebanjo said it was shocking that Tinubu had yet to set the records straight on the allegation made by Akande despite that the former Lagos governor once praised him (Adebanjo) for his “incorruptibility and strength of character”.

    Continuing Adebanjo said, “A lot has been said in the press and the social media to demolish tantrums. But I owe a duty to myself and to put the record straight for posterity about the big lie that Bola Tinubu built my house in Lekki for me. I therefore deny categorically that my house at Lekki was built with my resources through the sale of 3 developed properties, loan from GTBank and the sale of undeveloped landed property given me by my late leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory.

    “The details are as follows:

    “1. A 4 bedroom duplex with 2 bedroom flat enclosed with 2 undeveloped plots at plot 4, block 14, Nuru Oniwo Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos State, this is where I was living before moving to Lekki. The house was commissioned in 1972 by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “A wing of the duplex was once occupied by a staff of the security outfit then known as “special branch” headed then by the late Alhaji M.D. Yussuf who later became Inspector General of Police when General Olusegun Obasanjo was the Head of State. It was later occupied by one of the wives Chief Pius Akinyelure, who often visit his wife there in company of Senator Bola Tinubu.

    “The gate of this property was forced open by Abacha security forces when NADECO was holding a sendoff party for American ambassador Walter Carrington in my house, I took the Federal Government to court for damages and I was awarded #1million naira which has not been paid till today by the Federal Government, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, was my counsel. The house was sold to St Baths Aglican Church, Aguda, Surulere.

    “2. Two storey building at Odedola Street, Surulere, Lagos State. I bought it through an Estate Agent by name Mr. Shiwoniku who has relocated to UK, he has a brother who is a legal practitioner in Abuja.
    The house was sold to a Ghanaian by name Mr Akappo. He is still alive and he lives in one of the flat in the building.

    “3. Four storey building with a warehouse on the ground floor and six flats on top. It was commissioned by Chief Awolowo in 1977.
    I inherited the plot of 45’X100’ from my mother Salamotu Anomo-Adebanjo, who built a bungalow on it.

    “She bought the land when I was in primary school in 1940 from one Pa. Idowu Onitiri for £20, which she paid by installment of £10, £7, £3. His son Akanbi Onitiri, executed the conveyance for me without extra payment after showing him the purchase receipts from his father, when I was developing it in 1976. Akanbi Onitiri is the father of Sumbo Onitiri, a well known estate surveyor in Lagos. The building was sold to a woman through an estate agent.

    “I then took a loan from GTBank to complete the house in Lekki where I am living now. When the interest on the loan became unbearable, I was compelled to sell the undeveloped land given to me by Chief Awolowo in Dide-Olu Estate in Maroko Victoria Island. One Mr. Ade Otusanya a friend of my son Femi Ayo-Adebanjo bought the land.

    “The contractor who built my Lekki house is Engr. Hakeem Sulaiman, Senior Partner of Messrs HA associates. The Electrical and Mechanical Contractor is Engr. Tokunbo Oshokoya, Senior Partner of Messrs Oshea Projects. The Architect is Mr. Deji Johnson. The Quantity Surveyor is the late Otunba T.B Adebayo.

    “The Lekki property, the house in my village, Isanya Ogbo, and 3 Bedroom flat in a town house, at Omorinre Street in Lekki are the properties I have in the whole world.

    “I hereby authorize the EFCC to verify the above facts.

    “It is alleged that Chief Bisi Akande’s building at Ila-Orogun, which I understand is more than double in expanse of my house in Lekki and some other properties he has in Lagos and abroad were financed by Bola Tinubu. His house in Ibadan was also alleged to have been built by the contractor that built the secretariat in Osogbo, when he was the Governor of Osun State.

    “I hereby challenge Chief Bisi Akande to clear the air by disclosing the source of financing these properties as I have done above.

    “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the great philanthropist should also disclose the source of his wealth with which he bankrolled the elections of APC in the Southwest and that of General Muhammad Buhari and his various properties in Lagos. He should also authorize the EFCC to verify such details as I have done above.”

  • 2023: How Bisi Akande connived with Tinubu, sold Yoruba race to Buhari for political gains – Afenifere leader, Adebanjo

    2023: How Bisi Akande connived with Tinubu, sold Yoruba race to Buhari for political gains – Afenifere leader, Adebanjo

    Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo has accused Chief Bisi Akande of conniving with a national leader the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sell the Yoruba race to Presidents Muhammadu Buhari for political gains.

    The elder statesmen also has lambasted Akande over allegations levelled against him in his book, ‘My Participation’.

    Akande, a former Governor of Osun State and first chairman of the APC, had last week presented his book to the public.

    In one of the accounts in the book, Akande claimed that Adebanjo pestered Bola Tinubu to build a house for him.

    However, Adebanjo in an an interview on Arise Television Tuesday morning, denied the allegations.

    He claimed that Akande was lying and selling Yoruba race out in a bid to ensure Tinubu emerges as president in 2023.

    Adebanjo said, “He (Bisi Akande) is too junior to me to be commenting on political matters. He is a political neophyte. He is already known to me as a pathological liar. His colleague, Akinfenwa, in his book said that is who he is. And those of us who know him also know. He is just an apron string of Tinubu.

    “He is too junior for me to be commenting on what he said. I signed his papers to be governor. And the condition we gave for him to become governor was that of sovereign national conference for the restructuring of the country back to federalism. That was the condition he was elected in 1999 and he reneged on that.

    We call all of them – Bola Tinubu, Segun Osoba to warn when they reneged. They have sold out the Yoruba race to Muhammadu Buhari all because they want Tinubu to be president. That is not my business.

    “But telling lies is the one I don’t know and I don’t know how a man like Akande who claims that we all come from the root of Obafemi Awolowo can be taking pride in his participation in the government of one, Buhari, who they know is a disaster when all those who supported him initially are now regretting that they supported him.

    “There is no sensible man who will come out now and say he is proud of Buhari. It shows the type of character he is. So, he is too junior for me to be commenting on what he said.”