Vice President Kashim Shettima honored the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as a key advocate for a progressive Nigeria, recognizing his substantial contributions to the country’s democratic journey and expressing condolences to his family. Adebanjo’s passing is seen as the end of an era, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s history.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid tribute to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, describing him as a significant advocate for a fair and progressive Nigeria. Adebanjo passed away on February 14 at the age of 96. In a statement from his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima highlighted Adebanjo’s role as a crucial link to Nigeria’s democratic struggles.
Shettima lauded Adebanjo’s extensive contributions to the nation’s political landscape, noting his positions as the Organising Secretary of the Action Group and his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition during Nigeria’s military regime. He emphasized that the nation has lost not merely a leader but an entire institution, as Adebanjo’s principled advocacy for equity and progress endured until his last moments.
In Shettima’s words, “We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an institution.” He regards Adebanjo as a monumental figure in Nigeria’s political tapestry, whose passing signifies the end of a pivotal chapter in the country’s history. Elaborating further, the Vice President remarked that Adebanjo was one of the great titans who connected contemporary society to historical democratic aspirations.
Offering his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, particularly to his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, Shettima expressed his wishes for them to find comfort amidst their profound loss. He underscored the significance of Adebanjo’s life and work in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution, reflecting on the deep respect held for such elders in African tradition.
The Vice President’s tribute to Pa Ayo Adebanjo underscores the deep impact of his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and social justice. Adebanjo’s legacy as a champion for a more equitable society resonates deeply within the nation’s history, marking his passing as the end of an era. Shettima’s condolences reflect the shared grieving for a loss felt at both personal and national levels.
Original Source: punchng.com
