Anya-Ndi-Igbo, a non-partisan, pan-Igbo socio-political and economic development group has extolled the virtues of the late Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Yoruba group, Afenifere who died on Friday, aged 96.

In a statement on Saturday, Anya-Ndi-Igbo described Adebanjo as a detribalised Nigerian who cared about common good rather than personal enrichment.

The statement titled “Chief Ayo Adebanjo, A Life” quoted the late former Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo,  who once said that in multi-ethnic Nigeria, “ethnic politics arrests talent and skills, and springs onto the centre, led-leadership and/or mediocre leadership. This phenomenon impedes innovative and efficient government, and contributes to political instability.”

Anya-Ndi-Igbo stated further: “Chief Ayo Adebanjo is a Nigerian leader because his public life guided, inspired, encouraged and influenced fair-minded people towards the common good of all the people of Nigeria.

“He advocated for justice, equity, collaboration and sound judgment. His position cost abrasive challenge who play corner games as central sports but he took them on the chin, because he was convinced of the validity of the principles that underpin his positions.

“God blessed him with a long life. He used it to do God’s work by speaking the truth without being compelled or induced to.

“Chief Adebanjo had earned his pips and could have remained silent or out-source his position, but remained steadfast till God called him over. He has joined the pantheon of the great and history will reckon him as a patriot of no mean order: Who meant whatever he said; Practiced what he preached; and Asked others to do as he does and did. His resolute and very clear voice will be sorely missed. May the Angels of God welcome him to the community of the Saints Triumphant.”

The statement was signed by Anya-Ndi-Igbo BoT chair, Dr. Uma Eleazu; Anya-Ndi-Igbo President, Engr. Chris Okoye; President, Aka-Ikenga, Agbalanze Chike Madueke; President, Igbo Leaders of Thoughts, Prof. Elo Amuchazi; President, Nzuko Umunna, Prof Chinedu Nebo; Chairman, BoT, Alaigbo Development Foundation, Bishop Obi Onubogu; Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC), Dr. Festus Okere; President, Nkata Ndi Inyom, Iyom Josephine Anenih; President, Otu Oka Iwu (Igbo Lawyers Society Worldwide), Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu; President, Association of Alaigbo Town Unions, Lagos, Chief Chris Ugodinma; President, Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze; Chairman, Global Igbo Leaders, Amadiebube Mbama and President, Council of Igbo States in America (CISA), Dr. Mrs. Uzoama Josephine Aguoji.

Anya-Ndi-Igbo statement came amid hordes of others from across the nation all attesting to the nationalistic fervour that defined the late Pa Adebanjo, a man who refused to be sucked into the vortex of ethno-religious sentiments.