- Adebanjo is survived by Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, his 94-year-old wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the upper chamber of the legislature will make sure Ayo Adebanjo, the deceased elder statesman, receives a “befitting” funeral.
On Friday, Akpabio led a group of senators to Lagos state, where they paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Yoruba leader.
Adebanjo, who was a factional head of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, passed away on February 14 at his home in Lekki, Lagos state, at 96.
“We are here today to further assure you that you are not alone on this. The Nigerian senate and Nigerians are with you and will support you to accord our departed icon a befitting burial,” Akpabio said.
“Let me assure you all that the senate across party lines, is prepared to be part of the arrangements to give our late father, a befitting burial.
“Before we came here, Senator Gbenga Daniel ensured that during our Thursday sitting, we accorded our Baba his due respect by allowing senators to pay tributes on the floor of the senate and speak on what they knew about our departed father.
“We don’t have to mourn his departure because he lived a life that we are all proud of today. He fought alongside others to ensure that we have the democracy we all enjoy today.
“Pa Adebanjo lived and died speaking truth to power. His intentions were not to be seen as an opponent or enemy of any government or party.
“His outbursts sometimes on national issues, were intended to make people in government do the right thing for the masses. He was a Pan-Nigerian. He lived well. We shall celebrate him.”
Akpabio was joined by Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, as well as Onyekachi Nweboyin, who serves as the deputy whip of the senate.
Other legislators present included Solomon Adeola, Abiru Adetokuno, Gbenga Daniels, Titus Zam, and Asuquo Ekpenyong.
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