Former governors of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel have both expressed their sadness over the passage of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo.

They described Adebanjo as a champion of democracy and a promoter of equity, justice and fairness

Senator Amosun in a statement on Friday expressed shock at the news of the passing of Adebanjo at 96.

He described Adebanjo as a respected elder statesman, a champion of democracy, and a proud advocate for the Yoruba people who contributed immensely to the development of Ogun State, the South West region and Nigeria.

Amosun said, “He was a courageous leader with an unwavering commitment to democracy, justice and the advancement of the Yoruba people. He left an indelible mark with his tireless efforts to promote peace, unity, stability, and prosperity in our great country.

“His legacy of selfless service and courage will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens. Indeed, Chief Ayo Adebanjo has gone with a record of a life well spent.

“I recall the crucial roles played by Chief Adebanjo alongside other eminent leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to end military rule in Nigeria. He was also a voice of reasoning in the advocacy for restructuring and regional autonomy in Nigeria.

“I pray that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest, and give his widow, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, the children, grandchildren, and the entire family the fortitude to bear his irreparable loss.”

Ex-Govenor Daniel who currently represents Ogun East at the Senate in a post on his verified Facebook page on Friday, described Adebanjo as a legendary and exemplary leader as well as one of the last Titans of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s leadership who always stood very strong and firm on his convictions.

The Senator said, “It is sad to hear the news of the passing of one of our great leaders in Afenifere, one of the last Titans, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. His ability to stand firm on his convictions and his strength of purpose for whatever he believed in was exemplary, as was his legendary oratory power.

“Pa Adebanjo was of the old Awo stock in Yoruba ethos, reminding us every inch of the way about the value of fairness, equity and justice; values for which he fought to his last breath.

“Nigeria shall surely miss his invaluable contributions to our national discourse as we search for true federalism and statehood. Ogun State and the entire Yoruba nation have again lost another icon.”

In a separate remark, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also paid tribute to Chief Adebanjo, describing him as a committed nationalist and a steadfast advocate of true federalism in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji praised the elder statesman for his unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and national unity.

“The late Chief Adebanjo was a complete democrat, a fighter of bad governance, and an advocate of true federalism in the Nigerian federation,” Oyebanji said.

Praying for the repose of his soul, Oyebanji extended condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the leadership of Afenifere, and the people of Ogun State, describing his death as a monumental loss.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family of our late leader, Chief Adebanjo, and to Afenifere.

“May God grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss,” he said.

Pa Adebanjo died on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.

The family confirmed his death in a statement made available to journalists on Friday.