Afenifere Leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo Dies at 96.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, died peacefully in his Lagos home on today, at 96.

A figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, Adebanjo spent seven decades advocating for federalism, restructuring, and constitutional reforms. His family confirmed the death, honoring his relentless pursuit of justice and equity.

A disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Adebanjo played pivotal roles in the Action Group and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), resisting military rule in the 1990s. He remained a vocal critic of Nigeria’s governance structure, calling it “unworkable” until his final days.

Survivors include his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, and multiple generations of descendants.

Condolence registers opened in Lagos and Ogun State precede funeral plans yet to be announced.

The announcement ends confusion from a May 2024 false alarm about his death, which Afenifere clarified was a mix-up with late academic Prof. Ayo Banjo.