Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has stated that the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayodeji Adebanjo’s selfless service for an egalitarian society and the preservation of human dignity would remain fresh in the minds of Nigerians for years to come.
The governor stated this on Saturday at the funeral service for Pa Adebanjo, held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Isanya-Ogbo, Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Pa Adebanjo, Governor Abiodun noted, played prominent roles in the politics of Nigeria from the colonial period and remained unwavering in the struggle for the restoration of democracy and true federalism in the country.
He said: “Baba’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic evolution and federalist ideals. This statesman and politician remained an unwavering opponent of military dictatorship, a staunch supporter of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), and a vocal advocate for the return to civilian rule, particularly when democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of June 12.
“Beyond politics, Baba was deeply committed to the promotion of Yoruba culture and unity. His role in defending the socio-political rights of the Yoruba people earned him reverence across traditional and contemporary institutions, as BBC News reported. He stood as a symbol of Yoruba resistance to marginalization and cultural erosion.
“His advocacy transcended ethnic boundaries, reflecting the ethos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose words he embodied: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’
“He denounced corruption and nepotism wherever they showed their heads, becoming a moral compass in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.”
Abiodun described the late Afenifere chieftain as a good man who did everything in his power to ensure the triumph of justice, fairness, and progress, adding that he also feared, loved, and served God till the end.
He called on Nigerians to emulate the deceased by living an impactful life and being at peace with all manner of people, noting that Pa Adebanjo loved, respected, and coexisted with people irrespective of political affiliations.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese and the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, said every man and woman has a purpose in life, and it is left for individuals to fulfill their purpose while alive.
Speaking on the topic “The Glory of a Purposeful Life” and taking his Bible text from John 28, verses 37 and 38, Most Rev. Fape noted that Jesus’ purpose on earth was to show the light and to make God’s truth known to man, urging the people to discover their purpose and work towards realizing it.
Death, the clergyman stated, is inevitable, as every man born of woman would surely die, calling on Nigerians to emulate the late Pa Adebanjo, who lived a purposeful life by contributing to the development of the nation, state, and community.
He called on those in leadership positions to serve the people diligently and avoid selfishness, as they would give account to the Almighty on how they led while alive.
