By Abiodun Komolafe/
The passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a renowned elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, along with the breaking news about Chief Edwin Clark, marks the end of an era.
Focusing primarily on Adebanjo—who, like Clark, embodied the spirit of emancipation that arose during the early struggles against colonial rule—his legacy remains profound. Clark, during his time as a student at Holborn College of Law in London, was an active member of the West African Students’ Union (WASU). Between 1952 and 1965, he was also a member of the Honourable Society of Inner Temple, London.
WASU played a crucial role in shaping the progressive philosophical foundation that not only fueled the dismantling of colonial rule but also outlined a vision for post-colonial governance. This ideological foundation influenced movements such as the Action Group (AG) in Nigeria and the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in Ghana, among others.
The AG’s manifesto pledge to “make life more abundant” aligned closely with WASU’s progressive stance and the landmark 1945 Labour Party manifesto, Let Us Face the Future, regarded as one of the most influential political manifestos in history. This alignment convinced Adebanjo to shift allegiance from the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) to the AG in 1951. He saw in the AG’s manifesto a reflection of his own political philosophy.
By the time Adebanjo switched to AG, the NCNC had undergone a major ideological transformation. Following the death of Herbert Macaulay, the party abandoned its federalist vision in favor of a highly centralized system. This shift had long-term consequences, contributing to Nigeria’s enduring political challenges.
Adebanjo’s political choices reflected an era where politics was driven by ideology and principles rather than personal ambition or financial gain. Unlike today’s frequent defections for self-serving reasons, Adebanjo remained unwavering in his progressive beliefs from his early 20s until his passing at 96. His steadfastness, even in the face of trials, setbacks, and the risk of imprisonment, underscores the gravity of his loss. His era should be mourned with deep regret.
During the infamous 1962 treasonable felony trial, Adebanjo had a choice: betray his principles in exchange for a lucrative appointment or stand firm. He chose the latter. This stands in stark contrast to the present political climate, where loyalty is often dictated by financial incentives rather than ideological convictions. Nigeria is poorer—both morally and economically—because of this shift.
In my January 6, 2009, article, Afenifere: Once Upon an Identity, I wrote about the declining relevance of Afenifere, an organization that once wielded significant influence. Even before the passing of figures like Bola Ige and Abraham Adesanya, many Yoruba people believed Afenifere had lost its way. Today, the question remains: How relevant is Afenifere amidst the pressing challenges of insecurity and unemployment in the Southwest?
When politics lacks ideological direction, the consequences are inevitable. Had Nigeria continued to produce leaders with strong ideological convictions, it might have matched the economic progress of countries like Brazil (the world’s 10th largest economy) or even India (the 5th largest).
Consider the example of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. His clear ideological vision during his first term lifted 40 million Brazilians out of poverty and facilitated the construction of one million housing units annually for eight years. Nigeria, too, could have achieved such progress had it maintained the political environment that produced leaders like Adebanjo and Clark.
Fundamentally, Nigeria’s greatest challenge lies in the attitude of both its leaders and its people. The suffering of the average citizen is immense. Nigeria now ranks among the countries with the highest poverty rates, deepening socio-economic inequalities and fueling social unrest. Living standards are plummeting, mass unemployment is rising, and economic stagnation—driven by trade deficits and over-reliance on oil exports—persists. Corruption and bribery have become entrenched, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment.
The harsh reality is that many families survive on less than N5,000 per week, while the minimum wage barely covers the cost of a bag of rice. Spiraling inflation, rising fuel prices, and inadequate access to education, healthcare, and nutrition have entrenched poverty. Economic hardship has reached unprecedented levels, leaving the nation seemingly abandoned by fortune.
With these challenges mounting, what solutions is Afenifere offering? How is it engaging with organizations like the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) to tackle these pressing issues? Given Afenifere’s wavering stance, often influenced by the whims of its leaders, is it proactively collaborating with others to drive meaningful change?
The passing of giants like Ayo Adebanjo is a stark reminder that leadership must transition to a new generation—one equally committed to democracy, social justice, and federalism. In a functional society, Afenifere would have evolved into a think tank, offering strategic solutions to Southwest Nigeria’s challenges in education, security, food production, and healthcare. But is it fulfilling that role?
How many people today genuinely connect with Afenifere, aside from a small elite? What is its continued relevance? Its influence has waned, and its impact on the average Nigerian is minimal. If you ask someone in Ijebu-Jesa—my Native Nazareth—about Afenifere, would they even know what it stands for? With the last of its titans departing, will Afenifere remain relevant in the coming decades?
Ayo Adebanjo was here. Now, he belongs to history. He played his part with unwavering dedication, standing firm in his principles and fighting for a more just society. His legacy is inextricably linked to Afenifere’s history, serving as a beacon for equity, good governance, and social justice—values that transcend time and mortality.
Adebanjo’s passing is a reminder of what we have lost and what could have been. His life should be studied in schools, and documentary films should be made to educate and inspire future generations. Perhaps, there is still a chance to rekindle that era.
May the souls of Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark rest in peace.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant Nigeria peace.
Komolafe wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)
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