Sons of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba socio cultural group, Afenifere, say their late father never pleased the crowd but died for his strong convictions.
Mr Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo, the first son of the late elder stateman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Adebanjo never followed the multitude, but remained unwavering in all his beliefs till death.
“Our father was a man of principle no doubt and stood by his word and lived through what he believed in.
“He will be missed for what he stood for because he was a man of great principles.
“He was dogged in his ways and never wavered for all the things that he believed in.
“He believed once you stood for something, you never change the principle for the sake of convenience.
“He lived for his convictions, he never wavered whatever the cost.
“He paid a very dire price for what he believed in, a big sacrifice, personal sacrifice and family sacrifice
“History will judge him, I think very kindly at the end of the day for what he stood for over and above what the majority stood for,” Obafemi said.
Also, Mr Segun Ayo-Adebanjo, the late elder stateman’s second, son, said that Adebanjo was very proud of his ethnic group and believed in Nigeria’s unity.
Segun said that Adebanjo fought for justice, fairness and equity for the nation until his late breath.
He said: “Most people describe him as detribalised.
“Everyone knows he was a proud advocate of Yoruba cause and Nation but that does not contradict his stand for a united Nigeria base in equity, fairness and justice.”
The second son said that Adebanjo left an example of what justice and integrity should be.
“It is a worthy life he lived,” he said.
He said that he was able to account for the legacy’s late Premier of the defunct Western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, left behind.
Up till around 8.00pm on Friday, many friends and families have continued to troop into the Lekki residence of the late elder stateman.
Adebanjo, a chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, died on Friday in Lagos, aged 96.
