By Jude Opara, Abuja
The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has regretted the death of the leader of the Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo you reportedly passed on on Friday morning.
In a statement on Sunday, the National Chairman of the party, Barr. Julius Abure said the party received with a rude shock the passing of the elder statement Pa Ayo Adebanjo who died at his home in Lekki, Lagos State.
“For us in Labour Party, Pa Ayo Adebanjo was more than a father and a leader who stood by our party during thick and thin. He was most vociferous in his beliefs in the ideals of the Labour Party and he never gave up on us until his last moment.
“When we look back at his past political disposition, we saw a man who saw the future of Nigeria and who gave his all to ensure that a Nigeria where equity, justice and fair play evolves.
“We saw a fearless leader who shunned all manner of trivialities and tribal sentiments; we saw a great advocate for united Nigeria who fearlessly canvased for true federalism, knowing that a Nigeria with its multi ethnic nationalities as presently constituted would thrive better when power is not confined but liberalized.
“Pa Adebanjo was a product of struggle. This courageous enigma stood out during the days of the military dictatorship. He along some of his compatriots led the famous National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the struggle to reclaim democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
“It was with pains and tears that he led the vanguard of the other comrades and never retreated until democracy returned in May 1999. Unlike some others, he shunned every invitation to the dinning table. He led the struggle while others shared the cake”.
Abure further recalled the unflinching support Pa. Adebanjo gave to the party even after the presidential election, saying the party and its followers will ever remember.
“In spite of his age, Pa Ayo Adebanjo was eager to lead another struggle in 2023 after the Labour Party was unjustly robbed during the Presidential election, an election believed to have been won by the Labour Party. A youthful Ayo Adebanjo would have hit the streets but at his age, he was only loud enough to register his protest. But Nigeria failed him.
“As Nigerians mourn the loss of this great patriot, Labour Party is eternally grateful to God for the selfless, altruistic, humane and noble life Pa Adebanjo lived. We celebrate his enduring and inspirational legacy, while urging the present crop of leaders and generations to come to emulate these attributes.
“On behalf of the leadership and members of the Labour Party across the globe we commensurate with the immediate family and Nigerians over his demise and I pray that God will offer him His bossom for a well deserved rest”.
It could be recalled that Pa. Adebanjo was a staunch supporter of the president candidate of the LP, Mr. Peter Obi.
The elder statesman insisted that the South East region was the rightful place to choose the president since both the South West and South South had earlier produced former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan respectively.
