Former vice president Yemi Osinbajo and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Saturday visited the residence of the late Afenifere Leader, Ayo Adebanjo, to commiserate with his family over the death of their patriarch.

A former Commonwealth General-Secretary, Emeka Anyaoku, who had earlier paid the deceased’s family a visit on Friday, again led members of The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen and eminent Nigerians on a condolence visit to the family on Sunday.

Visitors were received by the children of the late Yoruba leader, led by the eldest son, Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo at their Lagos home.

After a meeting with the children of the deceased, Mr Osinbajo said that Mr Adebanjo’s service to humanity remained exemplary.

“Papa had been at the forefront of everything significant, progressive political and social enterprise, before and since independence.

“His life is an example of exemplary service and dedication to nation building,” Mr Osinbajo wrote in the condolence register on Sunday.

According to him, Mr Adebanjo boldly spoke his views and championed regional and national causes.

Also extolling Mr Adebanjo’s virtues in the condolence register, Mr Obi said: “You fearlessly and courageously stood and fought for justice, fairness and a better Nigeria for all and remained consistently consistent till the end.

“May God Almighty grant you eternal rest and grant the family and all of us the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss.”

Speaking with journalists, Mr Obi said that Nigeria needed people who make sacrifices for the good of the country like Mr Adebanjo.

Mr Obi, who got the backing of the deceased during the 2023 general election, said that Mr Adebanjo lived a life of sacrifice, service, sincerity and simplicity.

The former Anambra governor added: “Baba’s passing was huge loss to the nation, it is a very devastating loss.

“However, like I have always said, he was one of those who fearlessly and courageously fought for justice, equity, fairness, and a better Nigeria. And most importantly, he remained consistent till the end.

“In this country, people easily get compromised or become involved in transactions. But, Pa Adebanjo was exceptional. He lived a life of service, sacrifice, simplicity and sincerity.

“We wish we have a replacement for him; people who will stand for the truth, and nothing but the truth.

“This country needs people that will sacrifice for their country; people that will stand for a country of justice, a country of equity, a country where there’s care for the poor, vulnerable, and everybody can live and be proud of.”

Similarly, Yunus Tanko, the national coordinator of the Obedient Movement, said that Mr Adebanjo was a man of high integrity and strong principles.

“Pa Adebanjo was a good man who represented the interest of his people with love and integrity. Nigeria has lost a rare gem which is irreplaceable.

“I wish Nigeria can be able to listen to most of his suggestions for the benefit of our collective interest,” Mr Tanko wrote on behalf of the Obedient Movement (Supporters of Peter Obi presidential ambition) in the condolence register.

Also, Sen. Femi Okurounmu, one of the leaders of Afenifere, described Mr Adebanjo as a mentor.

“Mr dear leader, seven decades of tutelage under you and other Afenifere leaders are unforgettable.

“I shall miss you dearly. I wish you a safe repose with the Lord. If the dead see one another, great Papa Awolowo for me,” Mr Okurounmu wrote on the condolence register.

Other notable dignitaries that have visited Mr Adebanjo’s residence include former minister of state for health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, former Ogun governor, Gbenga Daniel.

Friends, associates and family members have been thronging Mr Adebanjo’s Lekki residence since his passing was announced on Friday afternoon.

Mr Adebanjo died on Friday in his Lagos home at the age of 96.

(NAN)