Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday in Lagos, celebrated the life and times of its late leader and elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with a public symposium.
The event, which officially birthed the annual public lecture in honour of the late nationalist and pro-democracy activist, was held in commemoration of his 97th posthumous birthday.
Venue of the event was the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos State, and public symposium was themed: “Afenifere: Identity, ideas and ideology.”
Some of the highlights of the forum centred on critical issues concerning the organisation, such as Afenifere’s history, political ideology and programmes; ‘the Afenifere Nigeria needs’; ‘what is Afenifere today and where are we now’; as well as the life and times of Pa Adebanjo, among others.
Present at the occasion were many notable Nigerians across ethnic nationalities and political affiliations, such as the 2023 presidential candidate under the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; Oba Oladipo Olaitan, acting leader of Afenifere worldwide; elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George; former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Internal Affairs, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Deputy President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; human rights activist, Solomon Asemota, who delivered the keynote speech; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Godknows Igali; former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, and her husband, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili.
Also present were Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, son of the late former governor of Ondo State and Afenifere chieftain, Pa Adekunle Ajasin; notable columnist and Yoruba leader, Balogun Akin Osuntokun; Director of Research and Strategy, Afenifere, Dr Akin Fapounda; Chief Supo Shonibare; Chief Sola Ebiseni; Mr Dele Farotimi; Mr Lanre Anjolaiya; Chief Oladipupo Oyewole; Omoyele Sowore; Mr Bismarck Rewane; Mr Jimi Agbaje; Chairman of Troyka Group, Chief Biodun Sobanjo; and many others.
They all eulogised the virtues, ideas, and philosophy of the late Awoist and pro-democracy activist, who passed away on Friday, 14 February 2025, at the age of 96.
They said Pa Adebanjo was indeed among the great Nigerian titans and a bridge that connected people across ethnic groups to the foundational struggles of the nation’s democracy.
Chief Adebanjo, a prominent lawyer, remained until death a symbol of courage, justice, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.
His body will be interred on Saturday, May 3.
Afenifere group was formed 74 years ago by the late sage and welfarist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists and Premier of the then Western Region.