Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a renowned nationalist, elder statesman, and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, has passed away at the age of 96. He died peacefully at his home in Lekki, Lagos State, on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025. The family confirmed his death in a statement released to today.

The family’s statement expressed heartfelt gratitude for Adebanjo’s selfless life spent in service to God, the nation, and humanity: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation, and humanity, we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo. He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos home at the age of 96.”

Chief Adebanjo is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The statement further praised Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. “His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until his last breath,” the family said.

The Adebanjo family is currently consulting with friends, associates, and numerous interest groups, both within Nigeria and beyond, to finalize plans for a dignified funeral, with details to be shared in due course. A condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Born on April 10, 1928, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Adebanjo was a lawyer, politician, and Yoruba nationalist. He initially worked as a journalist before traveling to the United Kingdom to study law, where he was called to the English Bar in 1961. Adebanjo’s political journey began in 1943 when he joined the Zikist Movement as a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. In 1951, he became part of the youth wing of the Action Group and was a political disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Throughout his life, Chief Adebanjo remained an active and vocal figure in Nigerian politics. In the 2023 presidential election, he and his Afenifere group strongly supported the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party. His legacy of fighting for a progressive Nigeria and his contributions to the Yoruba community will be forever cherished.