Adebanjo, Clark’s death creates vacuum in crusade for Nigeria’s rebirth

Many Nigerians say the demise of two of Nigeria’s elder statesmen, Ayo Adebanjo, a leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere and Edwin Clark, former federal commissioner for Information and Ijaw leader in the last one week has created a vacuum that would be there for years.

The demise of these legendary nationalist is not just a loss to their families, friends and political associates but it is a grievous wound inflicted to the nation at large.

Many citizens believe what was unique about the two nationalists is that they were driven by ideology and philosophical belief and had the interest of the country at heart.

Perhaps, such patriotism, selfless acts are rare and cannot be seen among the current crop of politicians in the country.

While Adebanjo died at the age of 96, Clark died at the age of 97, across the country Nigerians are mourning their exit as well as eulogizing their sterling qualities, principled stand on issues and their commitment to a truly united Nigeria where every part is given a sense of belonging.

Edwin Clark until his death was one of Nigeria’s most revered elder statesmen and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). He spent the greater part of his life advocating for the rights and development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, which has suffered environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.

Clark served the Yakubu Gowon’s military regime as information commissioner.

Adebanjo, a committed Awoist and nationalist never served any government. He was satisfied with being a king-maker and an apostle of true federalism.

He was an active politician in his youthful years and was one of the founding members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), serving the party as a national chairman for more than three years.

“The two leaders saw it all from the colonial rule to the military era and now which was the reason for their constant cry on what can be done to correct the mistakes done by our founding fathers and also by successive governments which has us brought where we are today.”

Adebanjo, Clark’s vision for Nigeria

Adebanjo’s ideals and those of Clark met in their conception of true federalism and their persistence calls for restructuring of the country.

On several forums they spoke truth to power and were not afraid of commenting on any national issue.

Over the last two decades, the two leaders have consistently lamented the state of Nigeria’s nation and the socio-economic challenges that has bedevilled it, saying that democracy cannot thrive in the country if the 1999 Constitution is not amended, reviewed and the country restructured.

“Their convictions on political issues were never driven by monetary gain or material benefit but national goals,” Kunle Okunade, public affairs commentator, said.

The duo of Clark and Adebanjo were towering figures in the advocacy for Southern interests, earning respect for their unwavering stance on key national issues. For decades, they championed the causes of true federalism, restructuring, and democratic governance, often speaking truth to power regardless of the political climate.

As elder statesmen, they played pivotal roles in galvanising the Southern and Middle Belt regions, pushing for policies that would ensure equity, justice, and a fair distribution of power in Nigeria’s governance structure. Their voices resonated in national discourse, influencing decisions on constitutional reforms, resource control, and power rotation.

Clark, Adebanjo’s vacuum difficult to fill

With the exit of the two icons, there is current uncertainty who would take up their mantle of Southern leadership.

Observers say the SMBLF, which comprises Afenifere, PANDEF, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum would realign its strategies and bring new people who would continue the quest for better Nigeria, good governance and equity in southern Nigeria.

The two elder statesmen were staunch advocate for democracy, good governance and unity of the country.

They remained apostle of restructuring and true federalism, well into their old age, determined to uphold the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

There is a general consensus that the two leaders were unique, especially in their ideologies and perception toward present-state Nigeria and the solutions to its socio-economy challenges.

Many Nigerians say their shoes would be too big and heavy for anyone presently to fill, because the current crop of leaders, politicians lack nationalistic mindset and are self-centered.

“It would be difficult to replace them especially considering the kind of leaders we have now. The vacuum would be there for years. Present leaders must learn from their persistent nationalistic views, selfless act and patriotism. We would miss them,” Okunade added.

Seye O’Dairo, a politician said the shoes of the two leaders would be difficult to wear by anybody in the country today, noting that most leaders presently only think of what they can get from the system.

“Their shoes are big to wear sincerely but God always raises new hopes for his people. Nigerians have lost two voices that speak the truth and are fair and just in their decisions at all times. They will be remembered just like the past heros we had,” he said.

O’Dairo pointed out that a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode Ibiyinka George is the only person that can fill the vacuum.

“Most especially in their lifetime, they have always worked with Olabode George personally and on phone. He can’t be bought, very honest man and God fearing. He speaks truth to power even in his own party,” O’Dairo added.

Francis Uche, a public affairs commentator and lawyer, said the two nationalists were completely different kind of leaders to the ones in public offices now, because their concerns was for the betterment of the Nigerian state.

“Adebanjo and Clark would be difficult to be replaced, because they were just in a different class to the ones ruling us down.

“Adebanjo especially feared no one and spoke the truth and you can see the difference from those people ruling us now.

“The people we have now are more like regional leaders who are promoting nepotism in power and further dividing the country,” the lawyer said.

For many, it would not be easy replacing the two nationalists, especially when present leaders can’t agree on little issues for common good and are often prone to division because of personal

Gboyega Adejumo, chieftain of Afenifere, described Adebanjo as a steadfast disciple of Obafemi Awolowo and a tireless advocate for true federalism and regional autonomy. He noted that Adebanjo’s passing leaves a significant leadership vacuum in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.

According to Adejumo, the group will now look up to key figures such as Supo Shonibare, a son of a late prominent Afenifere founder; Tokunbo Ajasin, another son of a foremost leader; NADECO chieftain, Ayo Opadokun and a former board member of the First City Monument Bank, Tola Mobulurin to step up and provide the leadership needed to sustain the organisation’s legacy.