The Western Region Organisation (WRO), otherwise known as Àtúntò, has called for the restoration of true federalism as the best honour that can be given to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
The group stated this in its reaction to the death of the nationalist, declaring that his demise was a huge and irreparable loss to the cause of Yorubaland and the quest for good governance in Nigeria.
WRO, which goes by the Yoruba name Atunto (reorganisation), is an open, peaceful, legitimate advocacy organisation of responsible Nigerian citizens. It advocates restructuring and the re-establishment of regional governments in a united Nigeria.
In a press release issued on Thursday by its national chairman, Ogbeni Alao Adedayo, and Banji Ayiloge, chairman of the WRO diaspora, WRO described Adebanjo, who died in his Lekki, Lagos, home last Friday at the very ripe age of 96, as a core Awoist who lived and died for the enthronement of good governance.
It further stated that Chief Adebanjo
was “a known national figure in the struggle for establishing an egalitarian society built on democratic ideals, a cause which he tirelessly fought for till he breathed his last.”
WRO stated that many good and flowery statements have been issued since the late nationalist’s passing, attesting to his virtues and belief in the country’s development.
The group added that, while prominent Nigerians’ statements reflected the deceased’s person and character, the greatest honour he could be given was implementing the principles he stood for, especially the enthronement of true federalism.
According to the group: “Many prominent Nigerians have been reacting to the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo since last Friday. He has been described in many glowing terms.
“Like his leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo who, at death, was recognised as the “best president Nigeria never had”, Nigerians from all walks of life have been speaking good about the person of Baba Adebanjo.
“Most of what they have been saying about him were a true reflection of his person and belief. However, we should strive to honor our heroes while they are alive rather than praise them when they are no longer with us.
“Now that the great man has departed this physical world, the greatest honour we can give his memory is to ensure the implementation of what he lived and died for.
“We want to implore all those at the helms of affairs, both at the federal level and across all the states of the federation, to give Chief Ayo Adebanjo a more befitting honour by ensuring the restoration of true federalism.
“Pa Adebanjo was indeed a national figure who lived for the enthronement of good governance, in line with the principles of the sage, Chief Awolowo.
“Baba was a true democrat who sought good governance throughout his lifetime until he breathed his last at a very ripe old age last Friday.
“A core awoist who was committed to Awoism, his primary preoccupation, for more than seven decades, was to ensure that life was more abundant for all, irrespective of age, tribe, or religion.
“Chief Adebanjo was a firm believer in true federalism. He was unwavering in his conviction that life and living would be more meaningful for Nigerians through the devolution of powers from the central government to the federating units.
“Baba Adebanjo, like his leader, Chief Awolowo, till he died last Friday, was of the firm opinion that there will be actual development and growth if the regions, now states, can access and control their natural resources.
“He firmly believed that Nigeria could attain greatness if each state were allowed to formulate educational and socio-economic policies that best suited them and their people.
“Above all these, Pa Adebanjo, a lawyer by training, lived and died believing in the cause and course of constitutional government, justice, and enthronement of the rule of law.
“What can be done in honor of Pa Adebanjo to ensure that he did not live and die in vain is to ensure the emplacement of true federalism and all democratic ideals of good governance as itemized above.”
