Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has affirmed that the group will take its case against the outcome of the February 25 presidential election to the Supreme Court.
Speaking during his address at a thanksgiving service to commemorate his 95th birthday anniversary, yesterday, at St Phillip’s Anglican Church, Ogbo Ijebu, Ogun State, the nonagenarian maintained that Nigerians should not allow their rights to be trampled upon, citing alleged electoral malpractices and brigandage during the general elections.
The elder statesman stated that his advocacy and struggle for a better Nigeria were not self-centred, but aimed at liberating the masses from shackles of poverty, oppression, unemployment, bad governance and other vices.
He said: “Don’t be afraid, because we have just started the fight. I urge Nigerians not to allow their rights to be trampled upon.”
Adebanjo also criticised the current state of the country, saying, “this is not the Nigeria we fought for. What would the sage, Pa Obafemi Awolowo; the late Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, be saying about our present abysmal state in the country? This is not how we practised politics.
“The election was a daylight robbery marred by violence and needless killings, and those who said they should stop pursuing the matter failed to understand that this was not a personal fight but that of the masses. It is not my concern if Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) becomes the president. What would he offer me at this age? But I am fighting for the masses,” he said.
Adebanjo further explained that Afenifere is not a member of LP, but the party stood for the ideals of Afenifere. He stated that he wanted liberation for Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could not claim to be fighting for the cause of the Yoruba more than Afenifere or himself.
“Let me conclude by emphasising that Afenifere will not relent or falter in its commitment to the enthronement of justice, fairness and equity. Even if it remains only five of us in Afenifere, we would continue the fight and struggle for a better and viable Nigeria as Baba Awolowo taught us.”
Dignitaries at the birthday ceremony included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former deputy governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Kaka, Femi Okunrounmu and chieftains of Afenifere, among others.
Earlier, before the thanksgiving service, Obasanjo had visited Adebanjo at his country home in Ogbo Ijebu of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, to felicitate with him on the occasion of his 95th birthday.
Dressed in a white attire, Obasanjo, accompanied by Oyewole Fasawe and a clergyman, arrived the residence of Pa Adebanjo at 9:13a.m.
The former president, who knelt down in the living room, subsequently directed the cleric, whose name could not be ascertained to offer prayer for Pa Adebanjo.
Though his visit was brief, he rejoiced with his host, who also lauded him for identifying with him on his birthday.
When asked by newsmen for a brief chat while leaving the residence some minutes later, Obasanjo declined comments and hopped into his black Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), saying: “I just came to felicitate Pa Adebanjo and not for any interview. You can come to me for an interview later on another day. Thanks.”
Recall that the former president had also declined comments from journalists on Sunday when he paid respects to the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Bola Ajibola, who died at the weekend and was buried in his Ogun country home according to Muslim rites.
Meanwhile, Obi has congratulated Adebanjo on his 95th birthday. Afenifere’s adoption of Obi as the body’s presidential candidate, overlooking the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had caused some rumpus within the Southwest group and amid its leadership. Recall that Adebanjo strongly supported and declared Obi his preferred candidate ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
Obi’s congratulatory message was contained in a post via his verified Twitter handle, yesterday. In his statement, Obi said he admires and respects the elder statesman’s courage in speaking up on bad governance and flawed public policies.
While also thanking God for the gift of Adebanjo’s life to the nation and humanity, the former Anambra State governor stated that the elder statesman’s place in the annals of Nigeria’s history is secure.
“On behalf of my family, I wish a very respected father figure, Afenifere leader and elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo, a very hearty happy birthday. Daddy, you have remained a resounding and consistent voice in preaching for a better and egalitarian Nigeria.
“I admire and respect, above all, your courage in speaking up on bad governance and flawed public policies. Your patriotic fervour is exemplary.
“As you clock 95 years today, I thank God for the gift of your life to our nation and humanity. Your place in the annals of Nigeria’s history is secure. May God protect and bless you always with abundant health and happiness.”
