The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 Governorship Election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who passed on last week Friday, at the ripe age of 96, describing him as “the last of the originals”.
Also, he described the Late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, aged 97, who died this week, as “a colossus and a man of unshakeable convictions whose life was a relentless fight for equity, resource control, and the true emancipation of the Niger Delta.”
IGHODALO PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE TO PA ADEBANJO, SAYS HE’S ‘THE LAST OF THE ORIGINALS’I
Ighodalo, in a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae in Benin City on Monday, said Pa Adebanjo’s transition marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics and democratic struggle.
Ighodalo, described the late elder statesman as “a fearless fighter, a mentor, and a moral compass, whose unwavering commitment to justice and democracy left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.”
Ighodalo, reflecting on his personal relationship with the late Chief Adebanjo, was quoted as saying that the late nonagenarian was more than a political leader as he was a father figure, a trusted guide, and a pillar of wisdom who nurtured and supported a lot of them through the struggles for democracy.
“His passing is a loss to me personally. He was my leader, my mentor, my father in the days of our democracy struggle. He nurtured me, supported me, and stood as a rock and guide through the turbulent waters of our nation’s political journey. His wisdom was boundless, his foresight unmatched, and his courage unshakeable,” Ighodalo said.
Ighodalo stated that as one of the last standing founding members of Afenifere, Chief Adebanjo was a towering figure in Nigerian politics, dedicated to true federalism, equity, and good governance. He said his predictions about the nation’s political trajectory were almost prophetic, a testament to his deep understanding of Nigeria’s complexities.
“Nearly all of his political predictions have come to pass, a testament to his deep understanding of the forces shaping our nation. He warned us, he advised us, he pointed the way forward, not out of self-interest but out of an unyielding love for Nigeria and an uncompromising belief in its potential,” Ighodalo stated.
Ighodalo noted the vacuum his passing has created in Nigeria’s leadership space.
“He was the last of a generation of nationalist giants who sacrificed everything to build a just and fair Nigeria. His passing leaves a void that may never be filled, but his legacy remains a guiding light for those of us who carry on the fight for a better nation.”
Chief Adebanjo’s legacy, according to Ighodalo, will live on in the continued pursuit of justice, equity, and a Nigeria that truly works for all. His courage in speaking truth to power, even when it was unpopular, remains a moral standard for leaders and citizens alike.
“Nigeria has lost a father. But the ideals he fought for, the values he instilled, and the courage he inspired will never die. His spirit will continue to guide us, urging us to be bold, to be just, and to always stand on the right side of history,” Ighodalo concluded.
IGHODALO MOURNS E K CLARK, SAYS ‘A COLOSSUS HAS FALLEN’
In a profound and heartfelt tribute, the PDP chieftain described the Late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, aged 97, as “a colossus and a man of unshakeable convictions whose life was a relentless fight for equity, resource control, and the true emancipation of the Niger Delta.”
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Erhabor Emokpae, in Benin City on Wednesday, Dr. Ighodalo said, “Nigeria has been dealt yet another heavy blow in the passing of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who was an irrepressible pillar of leadership, a fearless advocate for justice, and one of the most formidable voices for the Niger Delta and the Nigerian federation.
“For over six decades, he stood at the frontline of Nigeria’s political evolution, refusing to be silenced in the face of injustice.
“Nigeria has lost yet another giant, and I have lost another father figure, a mentor, a friend, and a guiding force. Chief Edwin Clark was a man of immense wisdom, a fearless statesman, who never backed down from speaking truth. He carried the hopes and dreams of his people on his shoulders and fought every battle with courage and resilience.
“His vision for Nigeria—a nation of fairness, inclusivity, and genuine federalism—must not be abandoned,” Ighodalo said.
Ighodalo recalled that “as a minister, statesman, and elder of the Ijaw nation, Chief Clark dedicated his life to fighting for resource justice, national unity, and the political rights of marginalized communities. His voice resonated far beyond the Niger Delta, shaping the course of Nigerian history with an integrity that remained intact through decades of shifting political tides.
“His passion for the Niger Delta and his determination to ensure that the region received its due was second to none. He fought tirelessly for fairness in resource allocation, for development, and for the recognition of his people’s sacrifices to the nation. But beyond that, he was a true nationalist—he wanted a Nigeria where every region, every ethnic group, and every citizen was treated with equal dignity,” Ighodalo stated.
He added that the late nonagenarian “was a man of remarkable courage, unafraid to challenge power when the interest of the people was at stake. His unwavering stance on national issues made him one of the last great uncompromising voices of truth and reason.
“He was bold, he was fearless, and he was unwavering in his beliefs. He stood for justice when it was unpopular, and he remained steadfast even when others faltered. Nigeria may not have always listened, but history will vindicate him,” Ighodalo remarked.
As the country comes to terms with the passing of yet another towering statesman, Ighodalo calls on leaders, especially the younger generation, to learn from Chief Clark’s indomitable spirit.
“The loss of Chief Clark, coming so soon after the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, deepens an aching void in Nigeria’s conscience. We are losing the rearguard of the fearless generation—men who fought without compromise, who carried the burden of this country on their backs, and who refused to waver in their principles. It is now up to us to ensure that their legacy does not die with them.
“Though his voice has gone silent, his messages must continue to echo through the corridors of power, urging the nation toward equity, progress, and true democracy.
“Rest without fear, Chief. Your work on this earth is done, but your legacy will live forever, ” Ighodalo stated.
