An elder statesman and founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has said the country has lost a nationalist and irreplaceable gem in Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who died on Friday last week.
Babalola, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said the late Adebanjo was a talented legal practitioner and successful manager of men and resources who distinguished himself in the service of humanity.
He said, “I saw the departed Minister in the hallowed Temple of Justice at close quarters. I have seen him at work, and I have also seen him at play. I interacted with him in the court and outside the court and found him to be a genial and rare professional who was dedicated to hard work.
“Our departed compatriot was a multi-talented legal practitioner, an epitome of decency and a towering model of a quintessential gentleman who succeeded in all his endeavours: he was a loving father, a mentor, and a successful manager of men and resources who touched the lives of many as a lawyer and as a politician during his memorable sojourn on planet earth.
“What stands this gentleman out is his vaunting patriotism, unbending determination, unalloyed selflessness, and his strength of character to use his office, and indeed, his all, for the achievement of the good of the majority.
“A most engaging personality, his brilliance, and the very professional way he conducted himself both at the Bar and as a politician will remain indelible in our collective psyche. He was a firm and fervent believer in the rules, and he kept such rules to the letter. He mentored not a few and was loved, adored, and admired by many.
“During his lifetime, it was not difficult for anyone who came his way to appreciate his palpable erudition, his deep knowledge of the law, and his willingness to help others around him.
“As a legal practitioner, he exhibited the four F’s: he was frank, firm, fair and friendly. He was a dogged and decent fighter. We will surely miss him. We will miss his brilliance and his large-heartedness.
“The late Chief Ayo Adebanjo was an example par excellence of a cerebral, good-natured, committed, and excellent team player who achieved peace for himself and accommodation with his environment.”
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