Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader dies at 96

The death has been announced of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere social cultural group.

He was jailed with the late Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in 1963.
Awolowo died in 1987.

He died this morning at the age of 96 at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State. The family, in an official statement, stated that, “He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos home at the age of 96.”

The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (née Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (née Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo. Born into a lineage of leadership, Chief Adebanjo was a distinguished lawyer and the former organising secretary of the Action Group.

He rose to prominence as the national leader of Afenifere, the influential Yoruba socio-political organisation.

The family reflected, “We will forever cherish his commitment to truth, equity, and justice. His lifelong struggle for an independent and progressive Nigeria remained unwavering until his last breath.”

Chief Adebanjo is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Condolence registers have been opened at his residence in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.