Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Saturday, described the death of the late Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo as ‘an iconic passage,’ noting that the elder statesman stayed committed to the principles of Afenifere throughout his lifetime.
Ogunwusi in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, obtained in Osogbo on Saturday, said Adebanjo was more than a political figure.
The royal father also said the deceased was a guardian of Yoruba ideals, a relentless advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism upon which Nigeria was envisioned.
The statement partly read, “The Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife hereby joins the Yoruba race and all proponents of justice, democracy, and good governance in celebrating the heroic passage of an iconic nationalist, elder statesman, and unshakable voice of the people, Pa Ayo Adebanjo who has died at the ripe age of 96.
“As a custodian of the Oduduwa heritage, the Ooni of Ife does not mourn but rather celebrates the legacy and indelible impact of those who have walked the path of honor and left behind footprints of greatness.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo was more than a political figure; he was a guardian of Yoruba ideals, a relentless advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism upon which Nigeria was envisioned.
“Throughout his life, he remained unwavering in his commitment to the principles of Afenifere, the revered Yoruba socio-political movement. His voice, always firm and unrelenting, was a moral compass for generations of leaders and followers alike.
“He lived and fought for democracy, justice, and the welfare of the common man, standing tall even in the face of opposition.”
According to Ogunwusi, Adebanjo’s transition was not an end, but a passage into the realm of the ancestors, where he would join the league of great Yoruba forebears like late Obafemi Awolowo, late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and other Awoists who shaped the destiny of their people.
“His exemplary life is an eternal blueprint for leadership, courage, and selfless service.
“The House of Oduduwa celebrates his legacy, praying that the ideals he upheld will continue to guide our leaders and inspire the younger generation to embrace the values of truth, justice, and unity. May his soul find rest among the noble ones of our land,” the statement read.
