The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed profound sadness over the passing of two elder statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark.
In a statement on Sunday, NEF Convener Prof. Ango Abdullahi described their deaths as a monumental loss to the nation.
Abdullahi said, “The loss of these illustrious leaders at this critical stage of our national development, will certainly leave a huge vacuum, which would be difficult to fill.
“Their separate but inseparable lives, were a living testament to their unmatched dedication to the respective geopolitical zones they hailed from and the ethnic nationalities they belonged to, for which the duo became tireless advocates and unrelenting crusaders.”
He praised the duo’s unwavering dedication to their respective geopolitical zones and ethnic nationalities.
Abdullahi noted that despite regional differences, both leaders worked closely with NEF, engaging in patriotic dialogues aimed at fostering national unity.
He recalled their commitment to building strong bridges of cooperation and understanding between Nigeria’s diverse regions.
“The enormous sacrifices and the many exemplary contributions made by these two notable personalities, will continue to serve as an inexhaustible armory in equipping future generations to soar from one epochal triumph to another,” Abdullahi said.
He added, “On such occasions, the exchanges were characterized by mutual respect, cordiality, and warm affection. These few encounters left a lasting impression of the seriousness, dedication, and wisdom exuded by these iconic leaders.
“This partly explains the reason for the high esteem with which the leaders of the two regional organizations have managed to maintain envious civility and rare rapprochement, in addressing contentious national issues.
“Without doubt, the departure of these political giants, foreshadows the sombre condition in which our dear country is now getting deeply enmeshed.
“But, fortunately for Nigeria and Nigerians, the enormous sacrifices and the many exemplary contributions made by these two notable personalities, will continue to serve as an inexhaustible armory in equipping future generations to soar from one epochal triumph to another.”
The NEF prayed for the repose of their souls and called on Nigerians to uphold the values of unity, patriotism, and selfless service that Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark stood for.
Adebanjo, a prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization Afenifere, passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born on April 10, 1928, Adebanjo was a frontline nationalist and one of the remaining first-generation Awoists. He was known for his unwavering commitment to true federalism, resource control, and restructuring.
Adebanjo’s principled stand on issues and his dedication to fighting for equity, justice, and fairness left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark was a distinguished politician, nationalist, and elder statesman.
He served as the Federal Commissioner for Information and was a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and resource control.
Their demise was mourned by many, including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
