The family of the late leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has released the program for his funeral.
According to a statement on Thursday, jointly signed by two of Adebanjo’s children – Mrs Ayotunde Atteh and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo, the late elder statesman
will be interred on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Pa Adebanjo died on February 14 at the age of 96 at his Lekki residence in Lagos.
The family said the funeral/church service would hold on May 3 at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The thanksgiving service will follow at the same venue on May 4.
The Day of Tributes/Service of Songs is scheduled to hold at 2.00 p.m. on April 30 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The wake will hold on May 2 at 4.00 p.m. at Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s country home, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun.
The family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers received since his passing, and welcome well-wishers to participate in celebrating the life of their patriarch.
“The family invites friends, colleagues, political associates, and the general public to join them in paying final respects to a man whose courage, integrity, and unwavering belief in justice, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history,” the family said.
It added: “Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, widely known as Chief Ayo Adebanjo or Pa Ayo Adebanjo, was born on April 10, 1928, in Ogun State, in the south-western region of Nigeria.
“He was born into the family of Joel Adebanjo Adedairo and Salamotu Odubanke.”
“His political journey began in 1943 as a member of the Zikist Movement, before joining the youth wing of the Action Group in 1951, where he became a political disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Throughout his life, Chief Adebanjo remained a fearless advocate for democratic governance, true federalism, and Yoruba interests within the Nigerian federation.
“He will be remembered as a titan of Nigeria’s nationalist struggle and a principled voice in the country’s post-independence political evolution,” the family said.
