The life and times of Late Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo

The Nigerian nation was thrown into mourning on Friday, February 14, 2025, as news broke of the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the revered leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere.

Pa Adebanjo, a colossus of Nigerian politics, died peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos, aged 96.

*Early Life and Education

Born on April 10, 1928, in Lagos, Pa Adebanjo hails from Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

He began his educational journey at the Methodist School, Isanya Ogbo, before proceeding to the Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos.

Pa Adebanjo later attended the Nigerian Law School, where he qualified as a lawyer.

*Politics and Activism

Pa Adebanjo’s foray into politics began in the 1950s, when he joined the Action Group (AG), a party founded by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He rose through the ranks to become the party’s Organizing Secretary. Adebanjo’s commitment to the ideals of the AG and his mentor, Awolowo, earned him a reputation as a principled and fearless politician.

In the 1990s, Pa Adebanjo played a key role in the formation of the Afenifere group, which became a powerful voice for Yoruba interests and a champion of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

As the leader of Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo was a vocal critic of military rule and a strong advocate for the restructuring of Nigeria along federal lines.

*Legacy

Pa Adebanjo’s legacy is that of a selfless patriot, a committed democrat, and a fearless advocate for justice and equality. Throughout his life, he remained true to his convictions, never compromising his principles for personal gain or political expediency.

*Family and Burial Arrangements

Pa Adebanjo is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family has announced that consultations are ongoing with friends, associates, and various interest groups to finalize plans for a befitting funeral.

Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

About Afenifere 

Afenifere is a pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization that advocates for the interests of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

The name “Afenifere” is derived from the Yoruba language, meaning “those who carry the Ife heritage.” Ife is a sacred city in Yoruba mythology, considered the cradle of Yoruba civilization.

Afenifere’s philosophy is rooted in the promotion of Yoruba culture, language, and values.

The organization was formed in 1993 by a group of Yoruba leaders, including the late Chief Abraham Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Senator Biyi Durojaiye.

The organization emerged as a response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was won by Chief Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba man.

The organization’s primary objectives include promoting Yoruba unity and solidarity, advocating for Yoruba interests and rights, preserving and promoting Yoruba culture and language, supporting democratic governance and good leadership, and fostering economic development and empowerment in Yoruba communities.

Afenifere has a hierarchical structure, with the National Executive Council being the highest decision-making body.

The organization also has state chapters, representing Afenifere in each of the six Yoruba-speaking states, and local government chapters, representing Afenifere at the grassroots level.

Afenifere engages in various activities, including advocacy and lobbying, community development projects, cultural events and festivals, education and research initiatives, and conflict resolution and mediation.

Despite facing challenges such as internal conflicts, limited resources, and criticisms of being elitist, Afenifere has had a significant impact on Yoruba politics and society.

Afenifere has promoted Yoruba unity and solidarity, advocated for Yoruba interests and rights, preserved and promoted Yoruba culture and language, supported democratic governance and good leadership, and empowered Yoruba communities through development projects and initiatives.

The organization continues to play a vital role in promoting the interests of the Yoruba people and contributing to the development of Nigeria.

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