The passing of our revered leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has left a void that words alone cannot fill. He was not just a leader but a father, a mentor, and an unwavering pillar of strength in my life and in the struggle for a just and restructured Nigeria.

Pa Adebanjo was central to my political journey, playing a decisive role in my election to the Federal House of Representatives and my emergence as Leader of the Alliance for Democracy in the House. His wisdom, guidance, and unshakable principles were the bedrock upon which many of us built our political careers. He was a man of his word—firm, dependable, and as constant as the Northern Star. Once he gave his word, he stood by it, regardless of the pressures that came his way.

What struck me most about Baba was his humility and respect for others, regardless of age or status. Though many of us on the National Executive Council of Afenifere were far junior to him in experience and stature, he treated us as colleagues, never as subordinates. He listened, he debated, and he valued every voice in the room. The false accusations by some that he was dictatorial or that he “played solo” were nothing but malicious fabrications. Those of us who worked closely with him knew better—he was a democrat to the core, a leader who led by consensus and conviction.

Now, as I step into the enormous shoes he left behind, I am acutely aware of the weight of this responsibility. Pa Adebanjo was a titan—a fearless advocate for restructuring, true federalism, and the unity of Southern and Middle Belt Nigeria. His life was a testament to the relentless pursuit of fairness, equity, and justice in a balanced federation.

The task ahead is daunting, but I take solace in the fact that I do not walk this path alone. With the grace of God and the unwavering support of my colleagues in the national and state executives of Afenifere, I pledge to uphold the ideals he lived and died for. We will continue the fight—the fight for a Nigeria where no region is oppressed, where power is decentralized, and where every citizen can thrive in dignity.

Baba, you have run your race with courage and honour. You fought the good fight, and now it is left to us to carry the torch forward. Rest well, knowing that your legacy will never fade.

** Oladipo Olaitan is the new leader of Afenifere