Ayo Adebanjo Bio: Net Worth, Children, Wife, Age, Anifere, Family, Wikipedia, Cause of Death

Biography

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, born on April 10, 1928, in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, politician, and elder statesman.

Renowned for his leadership in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Adebanjo was a staunch advocate of federalism and good governance, deeply influenced by his mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His political journey, which began in the 1950s, was defined by unwavering dedication to progressive ideals and the fight for democracy.

A relentless voice for justice and national restructuring, Adebanjo played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movements. He was actively involved in the struggle against military rule and notably stood with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. His advocacy centered on equity, fairness, and the need to restructure Nigeria to reflect true federalism.

Throughout his career, Adebanjo held leadership positions in various progressive political parties and movements, always championing democratic principles. His endorsement of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election underscored his commitment to national unity over ethnic loyalty, reinforcing his reputation as a statesman who prioritized Nigeria’s collective future above sectional interests.

On February 14, 2025, Ayo Adebanjo passed away at his home in Lekki, Lagos, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Nigeria’s most principled and influential political figures.

Nigerian politician and lawyer
Ayo Adebanjo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Ayo Adebanjo
Stage Name:	Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Born:	10 April 1928 (age 96 years old)
Place of Birth:	Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
State Of Origin:	Ogun State
Died:	14 February 2025, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality:	Nigerian
Education:	Igbobi College, University of London
Height:	N/A
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Adebanjo
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Christiana Adebanjo (m. ?-2025)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Ayotunde Atteh-Adebanjo, Adeola Azeez-Adebanjo, Segun Adebanjo
Occupation:	Politician • Lawyer
Net Worth:	$4 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Ayo Adebanjo was born on April 10, 1928, in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria. He is of Yoruba ethnicity, specifically from the Ijebu subgroup, and was known to be a Christian.

Public records provide relatively sparse information on his parents, but it’s known he was born into a family with a background rooted in traditional Ijebu culture. Details about his siblings are not well-documented in readily available sources, which often focus more on his political career than his family background.

Adebanjo‘s early education was in Nigeria, though specific schools are not widely mentioned. He attended Igbobi College in Lagos for his secondary education, which is known for producing many of Nigeria’s early post-independence leaders. For higher education, he studied at the University of London, earning a Law degree. He was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London, which signifies his qualification to practice law.

Career

Ayo Adebanjo’s career spanned several decades, profoundly impacting Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. After being called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London, he returned to Nigeria to practice law—not just as a profession, but as a platform for social and political advocacy. His legal expertise became vital in his broader fight for justice, democracy, and good governance.

Adebanjo’s political journey was profoundly shaped by his close association with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most influential political leaders. A committed Awoist, he embraced Awolowo’s federalism, social welfare, and progressive political ideologies. He played a pivotal role in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, eventually rising to its leadership and using his position to champion the restructuring of Nigeria and the defense of Yoruba interests within the broader national framework.

His activism reached a peak during Nigeria’s military rule. As a key member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Adebanjo was instrumental in the fight against dictatorship, particularly after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by M.K.O. Abiola. His outspokenness led to threats against his life, forcing him into exile during the oppressive military regimes.

Politically, Adebanjo shaped and led several progressive parties, including the Action Group in the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the Second Republic. He later played roles in their ideological successors, such as the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the Action Congress (AC), and eventually the All Progressives Congress (APC), though he later distanced himself from the APC due to ideological differences.

In his later years, Adebanjo remained an unrelenting critic of government policies that, in his view, undermined federalism and good governance. His endorsement of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was seen as a bold rejection of ethnic politics in favor of competence, integrity, and national unity. Beyond politics, he also mentored younger politicians and activists, ensuring that his legacy of advocacy, justice, and democratic ideals would endure for generations to come.

Personal Life

Ayo Adebanjo was born on April 10, 1928, and passed away at the age of 96 on February 14, 2025. He was married to Chief Mrs. Christiana Adebanjo, often referred to as Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, who was from Togo and a qualified nurse.

Adebanjo had two marriages in his lifetime. His first marriage ended in divorce, and he married Christiana Adebanjo in London in 1960, with Chief Ladoke Akintola serving as the chairman of the occasion. After his marriage, Adebanjo had several children.

His first daughter from his first marriage is Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh, who is over 60 years old. From his second marriage to Christiana Adebanjo, he had additional children, including Adeola Azeez and Segun Adebanjo.

It’s noted that Adebanjo had a total of 36 children and grandchildren, showcasing a large and extended family. His family life was intertwined with his public persona, with his wife and children occasionally mentioned in public discourse, especially around his political activities and legacy.

Net Worth

Ayo Adebanjo‘s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This figure would account for his extensive career as a lawyer, his political involvement, and the various roles he played in Nigerian socio-political organizations like Afenifere. However, this estimate should be taken cautiously as personal net worth can fluctuate, and exact details are often not publicly disclosed.