Nigerian Senate honours late Pa Adebanjo

The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday during sitting paid glowing tributes to the late Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo who died on Feb.14 at the age of 96

In a motion sponsored by Sen. Gbanga Daniel (APC-Ogun) and co-sponsored by 21 other senators, the upper chamber resolved to urge the Federal Government to immortalise the late Adebanjo by naming a national monument after him.

The upper chamber also resolved to send a strong delegation to commiserate with his family people of Ijebu land.

The senate also observed a minute silence in his honour.

Moving the motion, Daniel said it was with a deep sense of loss and yet an immense gratitude to will of God on the death of an icon of democracy, political activist and a lifelong advocate for justice and good governance.

He said Pa Adebanjo was born on Feb 10 1928 saying that he was a journalist before studying law at the united kingdom and was called to the English by 1961.

He said the late elder statesman
began his political journey in 1943
as a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe before joining the Action Group in 1951, where he became a mentee and political disciple of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He said Adebanjo fled Nigerian to Ghana in 1962 following Awolowo’s questionable felony trial, and was charged along with 30 others.

“He was also arrested and detained multiple times for his political stance and activities.”

Daniel said Pa Adebanjo equally played a major role in the National Democratic Coalition’s ,(NADECO) protest following annulment of the June 12 1993 election adding that he was the leading voice in the talk for Nigeria’s restructuring and regional autonomy.

He said Adebanjo remained steadfast in the struggle for democracy, standing at the forefront of progressive politics, unwavering in its convictions and unapologetic in its pursuit of justice and equity.

“He was a man who spoke truth to power, not out of defiance, but out of duty to the ideals of fairness, good governance, and the well-being of the people.

“He was not just a man but an institution his life was a long, unbroken testament to resilience, integrity and an unwavering belief in the power of justice.

“His departure is not just a loss to the urban nation, but to Nigeria as a whole. ”

Sen.Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo) said the late Adebanjo was a very strict man , always fighting for justice and the masses.

He said the late statesman fought for democracy as a member of NADECO , saying that he paid his due in the growth of Nigeria .

Other lawmakers who paid tributes spoke on his steering contributions to the restoration of democratic government in Nigeria, describing him as a national leader that commanded loyalty.

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio thanked Daniel for bringing the motion for tribute, saying that the senate would also mourn with him and people of Ijebu land on the passing of Pa Adebanjo .

He said Adebanjo was a legal colossus and one of those that Nigerian’s history can not be complete unless his name was mentioned.

“He contributed his quota, speaking out, doing everything possible to ensure a better Nigeria, and it has pleased God to call him to paradise, for us,we can not question the will of God.

“We thank God for his life and I will urged you to regard this as a celebration of life having stayed up to age 96 is no mean feat considering the issues of life.