Igbo apex group Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at the weekend, expressed their profound sorrow at the shocking news of the demise of Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo, noting that he stood for the Igbo at the darkest time of Igbo history.
The Deputy National President General of Ohanaeze faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that Igbo sympathised with Southwest and the Oduduwa nation for the great loss, adding that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared a period of mourning spanning two traditional Igbo market days.
“We call upon the esteemed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governors of the Southeast to honor the legacy of Pa Adebanjo by renaming public institutions in his memory,” Isiguzoro said.
Specifically, we urge Dr. Alex Otti, the sole Labour Party Governor in the region, to courageously consider renaming an institution of higher learning—preferably the Abia State College of Education located in Arochukwu.”
He insisted that “his passing has reverberated through our hearts and minds, invoking a deep and collective mourning for a man who stood steadfast as a paragon of friendship and solidarity toward the Igbo.”
Isiguzoro said, “Pa Adebanjo was a relentless champion of justice and equity, whose profound belief in the oneness of Nigeria transcended the shackles of tribal rivalry.
“In a poignant moment for the Igbo Nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex sociocultural organization representing our people, is compelled to express our profound sorrow at the shocking news of the demise of Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo declares a period of mourning spanning two traditional Igbo market days. This solemn observance honors the memory of this illustrious leader of the Afenifere, the foremost Yoruba sociocultural organization, whose departure we regard as a tremendous national loss for Nigeria.
“His lifetime of dedication and service reflects an unwavering commitment to the collective aspirations of diverse ethnicities across the region.
“We will forever remember Pa Ayo Adebanjo as an exemplary statesman who, during the politically turbulent landscape of 2023, boldly advocated for an Igbo candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, despite pressures from his Yoruba kin.
“This noble act of courage stands as a testament to his character, embodying the highest ideals of patriotism and selflessness. In an era marked by historical rivalries, his unwavering support for the Igbo Nation during our darkest political challenges speaks volumes about his dedication to fostering unity.”
