President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State praised Pa Olaniwun Ajayi, for his role in nation building.
Ajayi, a lawyer, nationalist and prominent chieftain of the Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, died at the age of 91, early today.
President Buhari in his condolence message to Governor Amosun urged all Nigerians to emulate Pa Ajayi’s lifelong commitment to dialogue, democracy and development, which are key ingredients for national growth.
Buhari paid tribute to Pa Ajayi’s inspirational and dedicated work to entrench and strengthen democracy in Nigeria through his passionate engagements in Afenifere, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the Patriots.
“The President believes that the late revered Yoruba leader effectively combined his sharp commentary on the state of affairs in Nigeria with uncommon patriotism while working tenaciously to further unity, development and prosperity in the nation”, Buhari said.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in a lengthy condolence message said Ajayi seemed to have a premonition of his death.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, recalled his last encounter with the late Ajayi three months ago.
“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,” he said.
Ambode said the late Ajayi was a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
He expressed sadness over the passage of foremost elder statesman and member of the Obafemi Awolowo political family, Pa Olaniwun Ajayi.
“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 an enthusiasm for the development of his immediate community and the country at large,’’ he said.
Ambode recalled that Ajayi’s law firm, which was established in 1962, grew from being a sole practitioner to one of the largest and open partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He said the firm, in its five decades of existence, held briefs for various corporate organisations and the government at both the federal and state levels.
The governor prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the departed peaceful repose and grant his 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,” Ambode said.
