In a recent interview, Mr. Akin Osuntokun, former presidential aide to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reflected on the legacy of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. He praised Adebanjo as an extraordinary custodian of Nigeria’s pre- and post-colonial political history and shared insights on how he should be remembered.
Pa Adebanjo’s Remarkable Institutional Memory
Describing Adebanjo as a living encyclopedia of Nigeria’s political journey, Osuntokun emphasized his deep involvement from the early stages of Nigeria’s political evolution. As a participant and observer, Adebanjo held the position of Organising Secretary for Remo division and witnessed critical phases in the nation’s history.
Osuntokun highlighted Adebanjo’s unwavering loyalty to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whom he regarded as a flawless leader. He recounted an incident where Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi once suggested Awolowo had made mistakes, to which Adebanjo reacted strongly, dismissing such notions entirely. However, Osuntokun shared a personal experience that revealed a more nuanced side of Adebanjo: after writing a critical column about Awolowo’s decision to leave his position as Premier of the Western Region, Osuntokun expected backlash. Instead, Adebanjo reached out to express agreement, admitting that Awolowo would have achieved more by consolidating development at the regional level rather than seeking to become Nigeria’s Prime Minister.
How Afenifere and South-West Governors Can Honour Pa Adebanjo
When asked how Afenifere and South-West governors could immortalize the late Adebanjo, Osuntokun advocated for a firm commitment to achieving true federalism and restructuring in Nigeria — a cause close to Adebanjo’s heart. He also suggested endowing an academic chair in social sciences at public universities in his memory.
On Producing Another Ayo Adebanjo
Osuntokun expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future leadership, citing Bertolt Brecht’s words: “Unlucky is the land that has no hero, and unhappy is the land that is in need of one.” He believes Nigeria can indeed produce more leaders like Adebanjo — and even surpass him.
On Afenifere’s Factionalism
Addressing the current divisions within Afenifere, Osuntokun acknowledged the ideological rift within the group. He clarified that while some view Afenifere purely as a socio-cultural organization, others, like himself, see it as a left-of-centre ideological movement and an emerging political party. He stressed that the possibility of unification after Adebanjo’s death depends on the fundamental causes of the disagreements, especially those linked to loyalty to political figures like President Bola Tinubu.
Shared Vision of True Federalism
Osuntokun affirmed that he shares Adebanjo’s dream of a Nigeria rooted in true federalism and restructuring. He emphasized that Nigeria’s founding structure was carefully designed by capable and visionary leaders, under the supervision of the British, to stabilize and develop the country. However, he lamented that the 1966 military coups disrupted this balance, leading Nigeria away from its original federalist principles and worsening the nation’s situation.
Possibility of Restructuring During Tinubu’s Administration
When asked if restructuring could occur under the current administration, Osuntokun was skeptical. He suggested that it would require a profound, almost miraculous, transformation — akin to the biblical conversion of Saul to Paul — for such fundamental change to happen under the present leadership.
