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A prominent leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has died at the age of 96.
Adebanjo passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
The family confirmed his passing in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday.
Read Also: Obafemi Awolowo Created Afenifere As Political Party – Osuntokun
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the statement read.
Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and the national leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath,” the statement added.
The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Mrs Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
In other news, Akin Osuntokun, the former director-general of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, said on Saturday the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, created Afenifere as a political party and not as a socio-cultural group.
Speaking on Arise Television, Osuntokun also said Afenifere was meant to be limited to the South-West.
He said: “Afenifere, as we describe it, is not a sociopolitical organisation. The ambiguity arose when Chief Awolowo started Egbe Omo Oduduwa. He also founded Afenifere, but people tend to confuse the two.
“Afenifere, founded by Awolowo, is actually the political arm of any party that Afenifere would join. It is actually a political party.
“That is the conception of the man who started it. In 1963, he made a presidential address and called anyone who associates Afenifere with the Yoruba people a traitor.
“He also said anyone who calls Afenifere a sociocultural group is a traitor; go and read his presidential address in 1963.
“I keep seeing this: Afenifere is not a sociocultural group.”
