President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of Ajayi and the entire Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, on the passage of one of its oldest surviving members, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, aged 91.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, President Buhari also commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State on the demise of their illustrious son, author, legal practitioner, elder statesman and nationalist.
The statement was signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
President 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 noted that the deceased, who was guided by Chief Obafemi Awololo’s principle, had “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’’.
He urged all those who mourned Pa Ajayi to emulate his lifelong commitment to dialogue, democracy and development, which he said were key ingredients for national growth.
He prayed that God would comfort Pa Ajayi’s family and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest. (NAN)