Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his counterparts in Ogun and Osun states, Ibikunle Amosun and Rauf Aregbesola and other eminent Nigerians yesterday paid tributes to the deceased Afenifere leader, Pa Olaniwun Ajayi.
A statement signed by Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described the late Ajayi as a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
Ambode’s statement reads in part: “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.
“I recall my last meeting with him just about three months ago at the residence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was like a premonition.
“He had admonished all of us to give him a long lasting legacy and ensure that the Yoruba hegemony is not trampled upon and tarnished.
“This wish of his, as a great Nigerian statesman, and true son of Yoruba land, we are committed to uphold and to cherish.”
Governor Ambode recalled that the late Pa Ajayi’s law firm, which was established in 1962, grew from being a sole practitionership to one of the largest and open partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in its five decades of existence, held briefs for various corporate organisations and the government at both the federal and state levels.
“There was virtually no sector in Nigeria that Pa Ajayi’s law firm was not prominent. His law firm in no time became one of the most sought after full-service legal practices in Africa,” the governor said.
He also prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the departed peaceful repose and for the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased on behalf of the people of Lagos State.
“Pa Ajayi will be sorely missed.”
Expressing mixed feelings over the demise of Pa Ajayi, Governor Amosun said although the nonagenarian would be missed, it is also a thing to grateful to God for that he lived an impactful life.
“Although he will be sorely missed, we cannot but thank the Almighty
for the eventful and highly impactful life that the late Sir Olaniwun
Ajayi lived,” Governor Amosun said.
Amosun described the late Ajayi, an associate of the late sage, Chief
Obafemi Awolowo, as one of the icons of Ogun State and architect of modern day Nigeria.
According to him, the late elder statesman lived a long, fulfilled life in good health and made it to the gracious old age of 91, which is something to be grateful to God for.
While commiserating with the Ajayi family, the good people of Ogun State and the entire nation, over the loss of the elder statesman, the governor said his words of wisdom would be missed at this critical stage of the nation’s development.
Good man, forthright leader gone, says Fayemi
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, also saluted the the late Afenifere leader, describing him as a forthright leader with a very rare generous spirit.
Fayemi said the death of Chief Ajayi came to him as a surprise, saying that the late Afenifere leader was full of life during their recent meeting, in spite of his old age.
The minister, in a condolence message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the late Chief Ajayi as a distinguished leader, nationalist, foremost Awoist and a thoroughbred professional who brought a unique touch of excellence to whatever he did.
Recalling his relationship with the late leader, whom he described as a man of wisdom and leader with a huge sense of history, Fayemi said every encounter with the late Chief Ajayi revealed his good nature as well as passion for the unity of the Yoruba in particular and Nigeria’s greatness in general.
“Papa was a man of distinction, a compassionate and courageous leader, who contributed immensely to the enthronement of democracy, by working assiduously with other patriots in Afenifere, the pan-oruba socio-political organisation, and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).”
The Minister urged the children of the late elder statesman to be consoled by the good name and legacy of service he left behind.
“His was a life well spent,” he added.
“There is no doubt, Papa Ajayi’s death has robbed the Yoruba race, indeed Nigeria, of a distinguished citizen, patriot and leader.
“We shall surely miss his wise counsel and generous spirit at this critical stage of our national life.”
The Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator
Solomon Adeola, said Pa Ajayi’s death marked the end of a great and
principled man.
In a statement by Adeola’s media adviser, Kayode Odunaro. The senator said Pa Ajayi’s contribution to the progressive politics in Nigeria over the years remains unparalleled, stressing that the man would be greatly missed.
He said: “Pa Ajayi was a foremost progressive and anti-military rule fighter.
“Yorubaland and indeed Nigeria will miss a man noted for his consistency in fighting for the mancipation of the people through advocacy of good governance and a progressive politics.
“His loyalty and consistent adherence to the philosophy of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, spanning over six decades, is a good example for politicians of today and future generation of politicians.
“And his wise counsels backed by historical experiences would be sorely missed by Yorubaland and indeed Nigeria at this critical stage of our history.”
The senator prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and the fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
Nigeria will miss him, say Fasanmi, Ogundokun
Second Republic senator, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, described the death of the Afenifere leader as shocking.
In different telephone interviews with our correspondent over Ajayi’s death, they said Nigeria had lost a national asset.
They commiserated with Nigeria and Ajayi’ s family, saying he would be greatly missed.
Chief Fasanmi, who described Ajayi as his best friend outside politics, said his death was a challenge for the Yoruba to come together and forster a common front in the interest of the race.
According to him, he and the deceased worked together under the leadership of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, adding that he had so much respect for him.
Fasanmi also said he never allowed politics to affect his admiration and respect for Ajayi, noting that he, Ayo Adebanjo, Rueben Fasoranti and the deceased worked together for national interest.
Ogundokun, on his part, described late Ajayi as a man of peace, who he said made a great sacrifice for the nation’s unity.
Ogundokun said his kind of politics had endeared him to national leaders across Nigeria and outside the shores of the nation.
He said the nation had lost a gem whose experience, he said, was particularly needed at “this trying time of our history.”
Former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, described the late Pa Ajayi as a democrat of repute and an elder statesman who dedicated his life to the service of his people and the country.
Ajayi, he said, 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.”
“He was a courageous personality noted for his frank disposition to issues and policies.
“He remained principled when it mattered most and never compromised his stance even in the midst of challenges.
“His invaluable contributions to national development will be greatly missed.”
The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Ondo State, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, said the death of Sir Olaniwun Ajayi was a great loss to Nigeria and the Yoruba.
According to the Chairman of Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee, Ajayi died at a critical time his wise counsel would be needed most.
Oba Akinruntan recalled the role played by Pa Ajayi in lending support to the resolution of misunderstandings among Yoruba monarchs.
He said: “It is painful to lose him at this critical time.
“He was an intelligent Yoruba man. He worked assiduously for the unity and
upliftment of Yoruba race to take its rightful place in Nigeria.
“He was a selfless leader and I will always remember his contributions to resolving crisis among Yoruba Obas.
“I know history will be kind to him.”
Ajayi was born on April 8, 1925 at Isara Remo, Ogun State.
He trained as a lawyer.
He was chairman of Great Nigeria Insurance Company owned by the Oodua Group of Companies, during the Second Republic.
