The Nigerian political landscape has lost a towering figure with the passing of Ayo Adebanjo, a veteran nationalist and relentless advocate for equity, justice, and good governance. Adebanjo, who died on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering political activism that spanned over seven decades.
Born in 1928, Adebanjo’s political journey began at just 14 when he joined the radical Zikist Movement in 1943, aligning himself with the call for immediate British withdrawal from Nigeria. His early commitment to the nationalist cause laid the foundation for a lifetime of political activism.
In 1951, he switched allegiance to the Action Group (AG) under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, attracted by the party’s progressive welfare ideology centered on free education, healthcare, and rural transformation. Adebanjo wore these principles like a badge of honor throughout his political career.
The AG’s emergence as a pan-Nigerian party in the 1959 pre-independence elections saw it challenge the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) despite regional propaganda. When the AG found itself in opposition after independence, Adebanjo stood firmly against the ruling establishment. He fled to Ghana in 1962 when the Tafawa Balewa government cracked down on AG leaders, charging them with treason.
The turbulence of military rule further fueled Adebanjo’s activism. During the repressive Abacha era, he played a crucial role in the pro-democracy movement, collaborating with the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and later the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). He was part of the secret meetings at Chief Alfred Rewane’s residence—meetings that continued even after Rewane was assassinated by state agents.
In Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, Adebanjo became a key figure in the Alliance for Democracy (AD), ensuring the party’s dominance in the Southwest. His influence in Lagos politics was evident in his decisive role during the contentious 1999 gubernatorial primaries, which ultimately produced Bola Tinubu as the party’s candidate.
Adebanjo’s principled stance on national unity remained evident even in his final years. Ahead of the 2023 elections, he championed the cause of equity, endorsing Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the rightful presidential candidate in line with Afenifere’s long-held belief in power rotation. His decision sparked internal disagreements but reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to fairness.
Ayo Adebanjo’s life epitomized courage, sacrifice, and devotion to a just Nigeria. His passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind lessons of political integrity for future generations.
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