Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has paid glowing tribute to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a true nationalist who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria.


The elder statesman, who passed away recently at the age of 96, was widely revered for his steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and the rights of the downtrodden.

Governor Mutfwang made these remarks when he led a delegation of ethnic nationalities from Plateau and some states in Northern Nigeria on a condolence visit to the residence of the late Pa Adebanjo in Lekki, Lagos State.

He said the late Afenifere leader was a fountain of knowledge, a symbol of wisdom, and a beacon of hope and courage who remained steadfast in his advocacy for a just and inclusive Nigeria across the six geopolitical zones.

"I got to know Pa Ayo Adebanjo towards the later years of his life, but he left an indelible mark on me. He was a fearless advocate for fairness and justice, and his lifelong struggle for the less privileged resonated deeply with me, dating back to the Second Republic. I followed his trajectory with great admiration."


Governor Mutfwang urged Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to draw inspiration from Pa Adebanjo's unwavering patriotism, emphasizing that his life was a testament to the belief that Nigeria is worth fighting for.

Reflecting on his personal encounter with the late sage, Governor Mutfwang recalled how Pa Adebanjo traveled from Lagos to Jos during his legal battle at the election tribunal to offer encouragement and assure him that God would restore his mandate. The Governor said that singular act of solidarity would remain engraved in his memory for decades.

The Governor noted that the composition of the delegation accompanying him underscored how deeply the people of Plateau and the wider Northern Nigeria valued Pa Adebanjo's wisdom and counsel. 

On behalf of the government and people of Plateau State, he extended heartfelt condolences to Mama, the children, and the entire Afenifere family, praying for God’s continued strength and comfort in this period of grief.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Adeola Azeez, daughter of the deceased, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for leading a high-powered delegation all the way from Jos. She described the visit as a touching gesture of solidarity and stated that the family found solace in the outpouring of love and support.


She added that her father’s passing should serve as a catalyst for strengthening national unity and fostering greater cohesion among Nigerians for a more prosperous and just nation.

Similarly, the acting leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, thanked Governor Mutfwang and the Middle Belt leaders for their visit. He emphasized that Pa Adebanjo’s legacy of truth, fairness, and national justice must be upheld, adding that the solidarity shown by the Northern delegation would forge stronger ties between the Afenifere nation and other progressive forces across Nigeria.

Former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Beni Lar, presented a condolence letter on behalf of the Lar family, recalling how her late father, Chief Solomon Lar, and Pa Adebanjo stood shoulder to shoulder in defending democracy and championing the rights of the downtrodden.

On behalf of her mother, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Mary Lar, she extended their deepest sympathies to the Adebanjo family and Afenifere nation, praying for divine comfort and blessings.

Other dignitaries, including Senator Peter Jiya (Niger South Senatorial District), former Minister of Information, and former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Hon. Labaran Maku, also paid glowing tributes to the late statesman. They called on the younger generation to emulate Pa Adebanjo’s principles of justice, fairness, and empathy, which defined his illustrious life.