Obasanjo Reflects on Final Moments with Pa Adebanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the passing of Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo, deeming it a monumental loss not only for himself and Ogun State but for the entire nation.

According to TrackNews Online, Obasanjo, in a tribute shared with journalists by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, reminisced about his last encounter with Adebanjo during a visit to his Lekki residence in Lagos State.

The former president recounted his final visit to Adebanjo on February 3, 2025, remarking that despite Adebanjo’s frail condition, he had no premonition of his impending demise.

He further reflected on their past disagreements during his tenure as Nigeria’s President, acknowledging Adebanjo as a remarkable individual, a devoted nationalist, a capable advocate for his people, and a genuine character.

In his condolences to Adebanjo’s immediate and extended family, Obasanjo prayed for divine strength to endure the irreplaceable loss.

He stated, “The unfortunate news came to me as a shock because during my last visit on February 3, 2025, at his Lekki residence, though he appeared fragile, I had no premonition he would depart so soon. His passing is undeniably a significant loss not only to me and Ogun State but to the nation as a whole. He was a remarkable man, a devoted nationalist, and a capable advocate for his people.

“As Nigeria’s democratically-elected President from 1999 to 2007, we occasionally disagreed, yet we were united in our commitment to rejuvenate and reposition our country to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people and chart a course towards our nation’s illustrious future.

“He was an unpretentious character! His thoughts, words, and actions were utterly devoid of political partisanship. He had friends across the country and led a life filled with extraordinary experiences.

“Until his passing, he valiantly championed the restructuring of the Nigerian nation, aiming for governance grounded in democratic principles and practices, fostering unity in diversity, justice and equity, political stability, nationalism, popular participation, peace, security, and socio-economic advancement with strong leadership.

“It is regrettable that his vision could not be realized in his lifetime. Indeed, Chief Adebanjo’s contributions to fortifying our nascent democracy will be sorely missed by the entire nation.

“I will deeply miss my esteemed and cherished Egbon Ayo, with the hope of cherishing the profound and unforgettable memories we shared, until we meet again.”