Pa Adebanjo was an accomplished journalist, lawyer, nationalist and politician. As a major player in the Nigerian political space
By Moses Okorie
The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has expresses sadness over the passing of two elder-statesmen; Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo who both died within the week.
While Clark was the leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Adebanjo was the leader of pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.
In two separate releases issued on Wednesday by the national publicity secretary of the party, Felix Morka, late Pa Edwin Clark was a leading advocate for the socio-economic emancipation and respect for human environmental rights of the people of South-South, especially the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Edwin Clark, the vocal Ijaw leader, served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971 before becoming a Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State in 1972.
He was elevated to the national level, following his appointment as Commissioner for Information in 1975. Subsequently, he was elected and served as a Senator in the Second Republic.
APC said for a man of towering legacies and remarkable contributions to nation-building, Pa Clark’s death creates a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. He will be sorely missed.
Also speaking, APC said Pa Adebanjo was an accomplished journalist, lawyer, nationalist and politician. As a major player in the Nigerian political space, his influence and relevance was cherished both at regional and national levels for over seven decades.
Pa Adebanjo
“A core Awoist, he was famed for his relentless advocacy for true federalism and progressivism. His role, alongside other patriots, in sustaining the struggle to enthrone democracy in the country remains legendary.
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“Sadly, our dear nation has lost an irreplaceable patriot whose invaluable contributions to shaping our country’s socio-political landscape will remain indelible.
“Our great Party extends its condolences to the family of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Yoruba nation and the government and people of Ogun State over the painful exit of such an iconic personality”, the party lamented.