Reuben Fasoranti, a foremost leader of Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has mourned the passing of Ayo Adebanjo, describing the elder statesman as a patriot par excellence.  

Mr Adebanjo died on Friday at his residence in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.  

Mr Fasoranti, in a press statement issued to journalists in Akure, said that the contributions of the Afenifere chieftain to Nigeria’s freedom and democracy remain indelible in the nation’s history.  

“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms, and political associate for upwards of 70 years.  

“His contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, shall remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.  

“He was an unrelenting ideologue who fought for many noble causes under the auspices of Afenifere, where he was once the acting leader,” he said in the statement.  

The Afenifere leader stated that the members of the group would miss the late chieftain, whom he described as a “fallen hero” and a custodian of positive values that defined progressive politics in Nigeria.  

While describing Mr Adebanjo as a great disciple of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Mr Fasoranti said the deceased was committed to the principles of good governance, the rule of law, and the protection of the fundamental rights of Nigerians.  

“His advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria was borne out of the conviction that only a truly federal Nigeria, where justice and fairness are supreme, could fulfill the aspirations of the people. I pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he added.