Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has described the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo as “the last of the originals”, paying glowing tribute to the elder statesman who passed away last Friday at the age of 96.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Erhabor Emokpae, in Benin City on Monday, Ighodalo said Adebanjo’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political and democratic struggles.
“Pa Adebanjo was a fearless fighter, a mentor, and a moral compass whose unwavering commitment to justice and democracy left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history,” Ighodalo stated.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late nationalist, Ighodalo described him as more than a political leader but “a father figure, a trusted guide, and a pillar of wisdom who nurtured and supported many of us through the struggles for democracy.”
He further expressed his deep personal loss, stating, “He was my leader, my mentor, my father in the days of our democracy struggle. He nurtured me, supported me, and stood as a rock and guide through the turbulent waters of our nation’s political journey. His wisdom was boundless, his foresight unmatched, and his courage unshakeable.”
As a founding member of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Adebanjo was a towering figure in Nigerian politics, advocating for true federalism, equity, and good governance. Ighodalo noted that many of his political predictions had come to pass, a testament to his deep understanding of Nigeria’s complexities.
“He warned us, he advised us, he pointed the way forward, not out of self-interest but out of an unyielding love for Nigeria and an uncompromising belief in its potential,” Ighodalo remarked.
Lamenting the void Adebanjo’s passing has left, Ighodalo said, “He was the last of a generation of nationalist giants who sacrificed everything to build a just and fair Nigeria. His passing leaves a void that may never be filled, but his legacy remains a guiding light for those of us who carry on the fight for a better nation.”
The PDP candidate emphasized that Chief Adebanjo’s legacy will endure in the continued pursuit of justice, equity, and a Nigeria that truly works for all.
“Nigeria has lost a father. But the ideals he fought for, the values he instilled, and the courage he inspired will never die. His spirit will continue to guide us, urging us to be bold, to be just, and to always stand on the right side of history,” Ighodalo concluded.