Elder statesman and leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, has passed away at the age of 96.
His family announced his death in a statement on Friday, confirming that he died peacefully at his home in Lekki, Lagos. The statement, signed by his children—Ayotunde Atteh, Adeola Azeez, and Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo—praised his lifelong dedication to Nigeria’s progress.
“His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath,” the family stated.
Until his death, Adebanjo led a faction of Afenifere and was a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu. His group notably backed Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election.
