President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State governor and his Ogun counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun were among the eminent Nigerians who mourned the late elder statesman and chieftain of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi. He was age 91.
A condolence register had been opened at his Isara-Remo country home. President Buhari in his tribute described the deceased as a patriot, who tenaciously worked for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said: ‘’The President commiserates with the government and people of Ogun State on the demise of their illustrious son, author, legal practitioner, elder statesman and nationalist.
‘The president also paid tribute to Pa Ajayi’s inspirational and dedicated work to entrench and strengthen democracy in Nigeria through his passionate engagements in Afenifere, the National Democratic Coalition ,NADECO, and the Patriots.
‘’Ajayi must have been guided by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s principle. The late revered Yoruba leader effectively combined his sharp commentary on the state of affairs in Nigeria with uncommon patriotism while working tenaciously to further unity, development, and prosperity in the nation.”
“I urge all who mourn Pa Ajayi to emulate his lifelong commitment to dialogue, democracy, and development, which are key ingredients for national growth.” Ambode in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the late Ajayi was a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
He said: “Papa was one of the few surviving close associates of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. After Chief Awolowo’s death, he was a consistent advocate for the struggle to see Nigeria achieve the dreams of her founding fathers.
He was very passionate about the progress of Nigeria, he was an intellectual genius who had enthusiasm for the development of his immediate community and the country at large” Amosun described the late Ajayi as one of the icons of Ogun State and one of the architects of modern Nigeria. On his part, former Ogun State Governor, Daniel said
“Late Sir Ajayi was a very strong force in Nigerian polity and well respected in the political landscape over the years as he improved on the democratic ideals of the founding fathers and played his roles in the service to the nation in various capacities”.
