Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Monday, led Obedients on a candlelight procession in Lekki, Lagos, to honour the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age 96.
Obi and his party faithful, including Chief Delly Ajuwon, among others, matched through Chris Madueke Street, Rasheed Alaba Williams Street, and others, chanting songs, in honour of the late leader, with people on the street expressing their love as well for the late elder statesman.
They later returned to the residence of the deceased Afenifere leader, where they took off from.
Speaking at the day’s event, Obi expressed great appreciation to all for the love and affection for the late leader of Afenifere, saying “Papa Adebanjo lived and died for the country.”
Obi noted that by the time there was a scarcity of men of courage and valour, Chief Adebanjo sacrificed and fought for a united and better country, promising to follow in his footsteps in the struggle for a better Nigeria.
Chief Tola Mobolurin, a chieftain of Afenifere, in his remark, also expressed his appreciation to all, declaring that the late Afenifere leader lived and died for Nigeria, even as he noted that the country was truly blessed and had nothing to do with poverty.
Mobolurin enjoined all not to lose hope but to continue to work for a better Nigeria, where love, and justice would prevail, assuring that the country would be great.
Mrs Adeola Azeez, daughter of Chief Adebanjo, said that the procession was symbolic, recalling that his late father used to exercise around the same streets traversed Monday evenings, but was cautioned to stop it due to fear of kidnapping.
She, however, said her father was adamant and continued to do it, citing his courage and love for the country.
“Honestly, it’s a wonderful evening,” she said.
Also, speaking, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Kofo Buknor-Akerele, said Chief Adebanjo was gone, describing him as one of the Colossus and a great man who believed in the unity of the country, and justice for everyone.
According to her, it was his commitment to the unity of the country and justice for everyone that made the late elder statesman throw support for the Obi in the 2023 presidential poll, saying that “we in Afenifere would continue to follow the footsteps left by Papa Adebanjo.”
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