On November 19, 2024, I paid a visit to Pa Ayo Adebanjo, accompanied by a few of my aides. It wasn’t my first visit, and as we left, I hoped it wouldn’t be the last. Sadly, his family announced his passing on February 14, 2025.
Papa Adebanjo’s demise marks the end of an era characterized by his erudite, fierce, and unwavering socio-political interventions, chivalry, and commitment to humanism, democracy, and progressive politics.
During our visit, Papa Adebanjo was in high spirits, engaging with us physically and spiritually, despite his frail health. We drank from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom on building a just, humane, and progressive society in Nigeria.
He commended our stance on economic, social, and political issues, particularly federalism, parliamentary democracy, and egalitarianism. Papa Adebanjo emphasized that humans must be at the centre of all economic, social, political, and cultural policies.
He believed that governments should prioritize citizens’ welfare and security, and that their policies on education, healthcare, environment, and treatment of women, children, and youth are indicative of their disposition to this cause.
With his passage, it is unfortunate we won’t be able to repeat the illuminating and edifying visit.
We pray that Almighty God grants Papa Adebanjo a joyful reawakening, consoles his family, and sustains his legacy as a great Awoist. We commiserate with his associates, the progressive political family, and Nigerians on the loss of a consistent voice for economic, political, and social progress.
Adieu Pa Ayo Adebanjo: An Indomitable Fighter for a Just, Free, and Fair Society.
Ògbeni Ràùf Arẹgbé́ṣọlá
