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I got the news of the death of a friend and the leader of the Pan Yoruba body, the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, at the age of 96 years.

Pa Adebanjo was one of the last sincere patriots whose stand for justice and equity was glaring. He was an exceptional nationalist whose unwavering commitment to justice and equity stood him out as the hero of the struggle for a greater Nigeria.

“I worked closely with him during my tenure as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide from 2017 to 2021, during which I came to appreciate his love for justice and equity as the only basis for a great Nigeria.

“As leaders of ethnic nationalities Pa Adebanjo and the rest of us worked for an egalitarian Nigeria where justice and equity should reign supreme in a restructured Nigeria.

“He was also a courageous man who was never intimidated by any threat or lured by any material inducements for what he believed in. He always stood firm in his conviction guided by his integrity and principles.

“Pa Adebanjo’s undulating and resolute dedication to justice will continue to catalyze the young generation to come for a greater Nigeria.

“Afenifere organization and Nigeria will miss his immense contributions, but we will take solace in the huge legacies he left behind.

“On behalf of my family, I like to pray to God to grant his soul eternal repose and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge demise.

Chief John Nnia Nwodo
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
February 14, 2025.