posted 10th April 2025
Peter Obi and Rauf Aregbesola Attend Afenifere Symposium in Honour of Late Ayo Adebanjo
10 April 2025
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, and Rauf Aregbesola, former interior minister, were among the prominent figures who gathered to pay tribute at an Afenifere symposium held in memory of the late Ayo Adebanjo. The event, themed "Afenifere – Identity, Ideas and Ideology," celebrated the legacy of the factional leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, on what would have been his 97th birthday.
Adebanjo passed away on 14 February at his home in Lekki, Lagos State. The symposium served as a posthumous tribute to his lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and the unity of Nigeria.
In a post on X on Thursday, Obi reflected on the significance of the occasion, describing it as a moment to honour Adebanjo’s contributions and the enduring values of Afenifere. "Today, I had the honour of attending the inaugural symposium organised by the Pan Yoruba Organization, the Afenifere, to celebrate the exceptional legacy of Chief Ayo Adebanjo," he wrote. "This symposium served not only as a gathering of thought leaders but also as a profound reflection on the values that have shaped Afenifere and their pursuit of true federalism, democracy, social justice and good governance."
Obi further highlighted Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to a united Nigeria, adding, "Celebrating Chief Adebanjo’s life and legacy with fellow patriots and advocates for a better Nigeria reiterated that the fight for a just, democratic and equitable Nigeria continues. A Nigeria where the rule of law prevails without any breach of our democracy."
The symposium attracted other notable attendees, including Oby Ezekwesili, former education minister, and Dele Farotimi, a respected human rights advocate, among others. Discussions throughout the event underscored Adebanjo’s pivotal role in championing fairness and democratic principles.
The gathering not only commemorated a towering figure in Yoruba and Nigerian history but also reaffirmed the ongoing relevance of Afenifere’s ideals in shaping the nation’s future.
