February 15, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to consider naming the Abia State College of Education after Pa Ayo Adebanjo for standing with the Igbos during the political turbulence in 2023.
A statement, which was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Saturday and made available to THEWILL, expressed condolences to the family of Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo, the leadership of Afenifere, the Oduduwa Nation, and the Governors of the Southwest.
According to Isiguzoro, Pa Ayo Adebayo will forever be remembered 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.
“In a poignant moment for the Igbo Nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation representing our people, is compelled to express our profound sorrow at the shocking news of the demise of Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo.
“The announcement of 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.
“In steadfast adherence to the rich traditions of our culture, 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 socio-cultural organisation, 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.
“Pa Adebanjo was a relentless champion of justice and equity, whose profound belief in the oneness of Nigeria transcended the shackles of tribal rivalry.
“His death represents a grievous void, particularly within the Middle Belt–Southern Nigerian Forum, through which he significantly contributed as a bona fide member. Here, we find unity in our shared grief— a tribute to a man whose vision extended beyond tribal lines.
“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.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserts, with unmistakable clarity, that Pa Adebanjo’s fierce advocacy for Mr Obi exemplifies a commitment to national unity and the progressive ideals that we, as Igbos, aspire to uphold. His leadership dismantled detrimental suspicions and rivalries that have long clouded our interactions with our Yoruba brethren, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.
“In this auspicious moment of remembrance, 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.
“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—or a significant thoroughfare in Abia after the revered Pa Adebanjo. Such an act would not only serve as a fitting tribute to a man of his stature but also mark a profound step towards reconciliation and unity among our diverse peoples.
“Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo hereby commits to actively participating in the funeral rites of Pa Adebanjo, as we stand in solidarity with our Yoruba compatriots during this significant period of mourning.
“On behalf of the global family of Igbos, both at home and in the diaspora, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo, the leadership of Afenifere, the Oduduwa Nation, and the Governors of the Southwest. May the Almighty God grant him peaceful repose, forgiving any shortcomings, as his spirit joins the ancestors who have paved the way for a united future”, he stated.
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