President-elect Bola Tinubu has praised the leader of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, for his contributions to progressive politics and good governance in the country.
He described Adebanjo as a remarkable leader within the Afenifere fold who played a leading role in the fight against military dictatorship and also contributed to pro-democracy struggles in the National Democratic Coalition.
Thanking God for granting the Afenifere leader the gift of long life, Tinubu said the elder statesman was one of the few remaining disciples of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo.
This was contained in a statement congratulating Adebanjo on the occasion of his 95th birthday, signed by Tunde Rahman for the Office of the President-elect, on Monday.
The statement quoted the President-elect as saying, “I congratulate Baba Ayo Adebanjo on attaining 95 in good health. Baba is one of the few remaining disciples of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Papa Adebanjo has remained consistent in sustaining the ideals of progressive good governance and social justice.
“I salute his courage over the years and the useful role he has played in ensuring that Nigeria remains a strong, united and prosperous country.
“We pray that Almighty Allah grant Baba more years so he can witness the dawn of a new era where the hopes of our people for a better, stronger, more secure and more prosperous Nigeria will not only be renewed but come to full realisation.
“I wish Baba Adebanjo good health, renewed strength and, above all, continued grace of God.”
The congratulatory message from Tinubu comes amid Adebanjo’s opposition to Tinubu’s emergence as the President-elect, as the nonagenarian had insisted that the February 25 presidential election, which produced Tinubu, was flawed.
Adebanjo pitched his tent with the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, on the grounds that it was the turn of the South-East to produce Nigeria’s next President.
