The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has the deaths of elder statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark, as a massive depletion of Nigerian assets.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party said the two foremost nationalists represented the best ideals of patriotism and nationalism.
SDP said the duo, during their lifetimes, represented the finest symbols of democracy and Nigerians’ quests for the common good, which they remained committed to, and which they devoted their adult lives to, till their last breaths.
The statement added that SDP, the truly national political party with the right ideology framework for national development, while mourning the passing of these two national icons, recognized and celebrated their remarkable contributions to building a sustainable Nigeria.
“Their lives both shared a tapestry of being the conscience of the nation and the voice of reason. They were irrepressible in their many struggles and dedication to building a good and egalitarian Nigerian society.
“The passing in quick succession, of two great Nigerian elder statesman, national icons and heroes of our struggles for sustainable Nigeria and social justice, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader, on February 14, 20205, and Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR, leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on Monday February 17, 2025, is a massive depletion of Nigerian assets.
“Assuredly, their imprints on the sands of time will remain indelible, and their lives and times will remain eternal monuments of inspiration to generations to come,” the statement read.
The party noted that the duo have exited in a blaze of glory, having played their parts very well on the stage of life, and the best way to have them immortalised is to ensure that the noble ideals they lived and fought, are deeply entrenched in the running of our affairs and national life – in our governance system, public institutions and orientation in general, as a country.
