By Dipo Olowookere
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his “heartfelt condolences” to the family of late Pa Olaniwun Ajayi, who passed away in the early hours of yesterday.
Pa Ajayi was the oldest surviving member of a pan-Yoruba socio-political group called Afenifere.
In a press statement issued by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday, the President described the deceased as a patriot, who worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria remained as one.
He said the late 91-year-old “revered Yoruba leader 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.”
Mr Buhari, in the statement, urged all who “mourn Pa Ajayi to emulate his lifelong commitment to dialogue, democracy and development, which are key ingredients for national growth,” also remembering his works at the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the Patriots.
He then commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State on the demise Pa Ajayi, who he said was “guided by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s principle.”
Mr Buhari prayed that God comforts Pa Ajayi’s family and grants the soul of the departed eternal rest.
Pa Ajayi, during his 91-year sojourn on earth, was an author, legal practitioner, elder statesman and nationalist.
