At the solemn gathering to honour the life and legacy of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a man widely regarded as a fearless patriot and moral compass of Nigerian politics, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, delivered a heartfelt tribute that captured the essence of their unique relationship.
Obi, known for his own ideals of discipline and frugality, painted a picture of Pa Adebanjo as a mentor whose unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the ordinary Nigerian deeply influenced his political journey.
“I believe everyone in this room wishes to be celebrated like this,” Obi began, gesturing toward the crowd gathered to pay their respects. “We’re here today to honour a man who lived a life of courage, service, truth, integrity, and commitment. Baba lived a life of value.”
Obi shared that throughout his political journey — especially during his run for president — Pa Adebanjo was not just a supporter, but an active participant who demanded clarity and accountability.
“He would call and ask, ‘What is your position on this issue?’ And when I responded, he’d press further: ‘Explain it well. How will it affect Nigerians — those from the North, the East, the West?’ That’s the kind of detailed care he gave to the people of this country. He always wanted to know how every policy would impact the common man.” In a moment both humorous and telling, Obi recounted how Pa Adebanjo persistently asked about the delay in releasing his campaign manifesto.
“He would say, ‘Where is your manifesto?’ And the printing company would blame me for the delay. It was true. I was the one delaying it — not because I wasn’t ready, but because I believed everything written in that document had to be implemented. I told Baba, ‘This is not just a piece of paper. I want to write only what I can do — and I will be held accountable.’ He listened and agreed with me. That was the kind of man he was — thorough, principled, and always demanding sincerity.”
Reflecting on the values Pa Adebanjo stood for, Obi also used the opportunity to challenge the greed and materialism that plague Nigeria’s political class.
“I ask myself, why is everyone at my stage of life chasing money? What’s it for? Another house? Another car? Another wife? More problems!” he quipped, drawing light laughter from the audience. “The truth is, Baba lived a simple life — focused not on wealth, but on values.”
In his closing remarks, Peter Obi urged Nigerians — particularly leaders — to preserve and promote the legacy of Pa Adebanjo not just in words, but in actions.
“For his family, rejoice. You had a great man. And to the rest of us, the best way to honour him is to continue to live by what he stood for: fairness, equity, integrity, and care for the poor.”
He prayed for Pa Adebanjo’s soul to find eternal rest, and for God to grant strength and comfort to the family and loved ones left behind.
With this moving tribute, Peter Obi not only celebrated the life of a national icon, but also reminded the nation of the values that must define its future. In an era of broken promises and fading ideals, Pa Ayo Adebanjo remains a beacon — and his story, a moral compass for generations.
-Jamiu Abubakar
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