Leader Of Afenifere Pa Olaniwun Ajayi Dies At 91

Eminent lawyer and elder statesman, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, died yesterday aged 91.

He was the oldest member of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, which led in paying tribute to the man it described as a rare leader.

Sir Olaniwun passed on early yesterday, according to a statement issued by the group.

Afenifere, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, said: “We received his passage with mixed feelings. We are joyful that in a country with life expectancy of 53, Papa made it to 91, ageing graciously and in good health till the last 24 hours of life when he had to be hospitalised for some health complications.

“We are however sad that his exit has robbed the group of the wealth of experience of a philosopher, prolific writer and memory bag that is irreplaceable.

“One remarkable trait of his life was his consistency in the Awolowo political family where he put almost 70 years of dedicated service as a lieutenant of the sage and one of his worthy successors after his transition.

“Pa Ajayi had a sense of history and lived his life deliberately to make impact on his environment. Either in Afenifere, the National Democratic Coalition, The Patriots and the Methodist Church where he was a Knight, he left his indelible footprints on the sands of time.

“The last days of his life were spent in worries over the state of affairs in Yorubaland in particular and in Nigeria at large.

“He was not just lamenting but he was taking practical steps to find verb for our noun in the syntax of human experience.

“It is hoped that all those involved in such intervention would keep those efforts on as a memorial for this worthy son of Odudiuwa.

“The great man of sound intellect may not have much good news for Awo as they meet in yonder, but the seeds he planted in the last moments of his life must grow to trees that would bear the fruits of freedom.

“While waiting for burial arrangements from the family for the good man of sartorial elegance, it is a promise that we shall pay his shade the right due.

“Our heartfelt condolences to the good family he has left behind, and it is our prayer that the Lord will take his place in their lives.

“Adieu, Papa. Goodnight to a worthy leader.”