Ayo Adebanjo: Life dedicated to Nigeria’s democracy

Ayo Adebanjo once expressed his desire to surpass his father’s remarkable age of 105, but fate had other plans. He passed awaypassed away Friday at the age of 96.

Pa Adebanjo, as many began to call him after he crossed 70, was one of the few Nigerians who not only witnessed but actively participated in Nigeria’s struggle for independence, as well as the post-independence turmoil that tested the fragile new republic. A staunch advocate for democracy, Adebanjo remained deeply involved in politics well into his old age, determined to uphold the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

A goldsmith’s son

Born Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo on April 10, 1929, in Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Adebanjo was the only child of his mother. His father, a goldsmith, relocated the family to Lagos shortly after his birth. There, he completed his secondary education before securing a job in the Ministry of Health in 1950, working in the department responsible for registering births and deaths.

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Young political heavy weight

A political heavyweight from an early age, Adebanjo joined politics in the early 1950s. His encounters with pioneering Nigerian political activists from the early 20th century further fuelled his passion for activism and nation-building.

By the 1950s, he was already active in political activities, emerging as one of the young figures in the youth wing of Egbe Omo Oduduwa. He served as the Assistant Secretary of Egbe Omo Oduduwa in Lagos and closely followed key political figures in Nigeria, including Alhaji Gbadamosi, whom he worked with as a clerk at Ikorodu Trading Company after losing his job at the ministry.

A journalist then secretary at AG

His career took a turn when he transitioned into journalism—a profession he held fond memories of. He started at the Daily Service and, through his work in the press, was drafted into the Action Group as its General Secretary. His involvement in the party deepened as he became Secretary of the Action Group Youth Association, working closely with the late Remi Fani-Kayode, father of Femi Fani-Kayode.

“It is on record that Pa Adebanjo spent his entire youthful days fighting against the colonial rule; spent his middle age fighting against military dictatorship, and his latter days ensuring that good governance, rule of law, and democracy took firm roots in Nigeria,” Abubakar Atiku said of Adebanjo in his tribute.

A law student, then a scriptwriter in Ghana

Determined to further his education, he used his savings to travel to London to study law. He also received financial support from party leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who organised a support fund with contributions from prominent figures such as Rotimi Williams and Chief Akintola. While in London, he remained politically active, serving as the Secretary of the London branch of the Action Group.

Shortly after completing his studies, Chief Awolowo recalled him to Nigeria to participate in the activities leading to independence and to help strengthen the Action Group, which was already facing internal crises. However, during the Western Region crisis in 1962, he was forced into exile in Ghana. There, he secured a job as a scriptwriter at Radio Ghana, thanks to the support of President Kwame Nkrumah.

Deported from Ghana to Kirikiri

His time in Ghana was cut short when Nkrumah was overthrown in a coup. He was subsequently deported to Nigeria and handed over to Aguiyi Ironsi’s government. Upon his return, he was immediately detained at Kirikiri Prison alongside other exiled individuals. While imprisoned, he formed a close bond with Wole Soyinka, a friendship that endured beyond their time in detention.

Adebanjo played a significant role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) protests following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election.

Read more: We cannot continue with a constitution made against the South – Ayo Adebanjo

He had great mentors whom he deeply admired, including Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, both of whom played significant roles in his life. To him, Awolowo was an exceptional and remarkable human being.

He met his wife in the UK through his friend Olaniwunmi Ajayi, whom he had known from Sagamu. Affectionately describing her as his pillar of strength, they shared a loving marriage that lasted 65 years.

Afenifere

In 1998, he was among the founding members of Afenifere, a socio-cultural organisation for the Yoruba people of Nigeria with Abraham Adesanya as the first leader and Bola Ige as deputy leader.

In August 2022, Peter Obi alongside leaders of Labour Party visited Adebanjo and members of the South West and Middle Belt Leadership Forum. The visit sparked speculations that the elder statesman had started supporting LP, yet others through the visit was only to consolidate his status as a thoroughbred politician who has his own mind.

“I remain deeply grateful for his support during my presidential campaign. His endorsement was not merely a political gesture but a testament to his belief in the ideals of equity and inclusiveness. He stood firm in his convictions against all odds, demonstrating his dedication to the greater good of Nigeria,” Peter Obi said of the late Adebanjo in his first tribute.

Adebanjo’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian politics and democracy. He was a prominent statesman, a tireless advocate for good governance. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the nation’s history.