By: Precious Erugo
The National President of Federated Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network(FGNPN) Pastor (Dr) Dike Awana, has described the passing of foremost Afenifere leader and staunch Awoist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as a monumental loss. He likened the late Yoruba leader to an Iroko tree, whose voice resonated across Nigeria.
Dr Awana, in a condolence message to the bereaved family and the entire Yoruba nation , noted that Chief Ayo Adebanjo was a rare breed of a nationalist who came, saw and conquered.
“We received with great shock the news of the passing of a foremost Yoruba son—an uncompromising leader, a repository of political history in Yorubaland, and an apostle of true federalism—the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Awana said.
“His death is a monumental loss, creating a void in the socio-political space and depriving the Yoruba people of a strong voice in national affairs. In his passing, we have lost a great deal, considering his modest lifestyle, wisdom, and outspokenness.”
He stated that late Pa Ayo Adebanjo was reputed to be an incorruptible leader who fearlessly spoke truth to power, adding that his firm criticism of corruption and bad leadership put him in a class of his own.
“We have lost a leader—an unapologetic Awoist, a man who spoke truth to power—you can understand the magnitude of the loss,”
The National leader of all Grassroots Newspapers in Nigeria further stated that Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s wise counsel to the authorities on issues of national interest helped to shape the political, social and economic life of the nation, even as he remained an out-spoken crusader whose voice could not be suppressed till death.
While urging the bereaved family to take solace in the fulfilled life lived by their departed patriarch, Dr Awana prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
