Olusegun Obasanjo mourned the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, calling him a committed nationalist and effective leader. He expressed deep personal loss and recognized Adebanjo’s significant contributions to Nigeria and democracy. Obasanjo highlighted the importance of Adebanjo’s legacy and offered condolences to his family.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed deep sorrow at the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, recognizing him as a dedicated nationalist and effective advocate for his people. He shared this tribute while attending the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, underscoring his profound sense of personal loss upon learning of Adebanjo’s passing.
In his statement, Obasanjo emphasized the shock of Adebanjo’s death, highlighting it as a significant loss not just for him and Ogun State, but for Nigeria as a whole. Their last meeting on February 3, 2025, had given no indication of Adebanjo’s imminent departure, heightening the impact of the news.
Obasanjo lauded Adebanjo’s successful career and his commitment to serving the community, state, and nation. As a founding member of the Action Group Party, he was celebrated for his patriotism, dedication to democracy, and integrity in leadership, proving that politics should prioritize service to humanity rather than mere personal gain.
Acknowledging Adebanjo’s courage and political dedication, Obasanjo noted his significant contributions to promoting democracy in Nigeria. His ability to foster national unity and resilience, amid adversity, distinguished him as a respected elder statesman renowned for his honest and purposeful leadership.
Reflecting on their past interactions, Obasanjo recalled occasional disagreements over policies, yet they shared a common goal of striving to improve the nation’s future and fulfill the aspirations of the Nigerian populace. Adebanjo’s straightforward personality earned him friendships across Nigeria, with a life story rich in experiences.
Despite his boundless efforts, Obasanjo lamented that Adebanjo’s vision for a restructured Nigeria grounded in democracy and good governance was unfulfilled. His impact on Nigeria’s evolving democracy will be profoundly missed. Obasanjo extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family and friends, praying for their strength during this difficult time.
He concluded with heartfelt wishes for Adebanjo’s soul to find eternal peace, expressing his personal loss and cherishing the profound memories they shared together, promising to carry those memories until they meet again.
In conclusion, Olusegun Obasanjo’s tribute to Chief Ayo Adebanjo commemorates the latter’s significant contributions to Nigerian society as a dedicated nationalist and advocate for democracy. Adebanjo’s legacy of selfless service and commitment to unity will be remembered, though he was unable to see his dreams for Nigeria realized. Obasanjo’s expressions of sorrow highlight the personal and national impact of Adebanjo’s death, reflecting on their shared goals and the values he represented.
Original Source: punchng.com
