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Chief Ayo Adebanjo,  Afenifere Leader  Dies at 96

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A foremost nationalist, elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has died at the age of 96.

The elder statesman died Friday at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at age 96.

He died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025.

The family confirmed his passing in a statement made available to Channels Television on Friday.

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.

He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the family statement read.

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Adebanjo is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath,” the statement added.

The family said they are consulting with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond, to fine tune plans for a befitting funeral details which will be communicated in due course.

A condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and  his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Adebanjo,  a lawyer, a radical politician and a nationalist of Yoruba extraction was born in Isanya Ogbo, a village near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria on April 10, 1928.

He was originally a journalist before going to the United Kingdom to study law. After completing his studies, he was called to the English Bar in 1961.

Chief Adebanjo started politics at an early age, joining the struggle in 1943, as a Zikist, a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

However, in 1951 he became a member of the youth wing of the Action Group, and a mentee and political disciple of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He remained active and vocal in Nigerian politics until his death, throwing his weight, alongside his Afenifere group behind the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election.

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Breaking:Kano Deputy Governor Resigns

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Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo Former Kano state Deputy Governor

 

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has announced the resignation of the Deputy Governor of Kano State Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, stating that the decision was formally communicated to the public in a press release issued on Friday and signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed.

According to the statement, the resignation was taken “in the overall interest of the people and the stability of governance” in the state, with the movement noting that recent developments had significantly limited the Deputy Governor’s ability to fully discharge the responsibilities of the office.

The movement also addressed the ongoing issues involving the Kano State House of Assembly, emphasizing that the Deputy Governor’s decision to step down should not be interpreted as an admission of any allegations raised against him, and insisting that he continues to maintain his innocence.

Describing the move as one of “statesmanship,” the statement said the resignation was intended to reduce political tension and prevent further disruptions to governance and development efforts in Kano State, while demonstrating a commitment to peace and political maturity.

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The Kwankwasiyya Movement further disclosed that the former Deputy Governor plans to redirect his focus toward strengthening the movement’s internal structures and strategies, particularly as political actors begin positioning ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The statement added that this renewed engagement would involve rebuilding party frameworks and pursuing strategic realignments aimed at promoting what it described as people-oriented leadership, social justice, and sustainable development.

The movement called on its supporters and residents of Kano State to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to democratic principles, assuring the public that additional details regarding the resignation would be communicated in due course, according to the spokesperson.

 

Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo the Deputy Governor has been enmeshed in a political battle with his boss Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf since the Governor defected to the All Progressives Congress without the blessing of the NNPP National leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

 

Recently the Kano state House of Assembly has issued Impeachment notice on Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo over allegation of corruption.

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Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, Mother of Former Kaduna Governor, Passes Away

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has died.

According to family sources, she passed away on Friday afternoon. While details surrounding her death remain unclear at this time, the family has since confirmed the sad event.

The announcement was made public by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, in a statement shared on Facebook. The statement read:

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“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From Allah SWT we came and to Him we shall all return.

I would like to inform the public of the demise of my grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away a few hours ago.

She is the biological mother of our father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. We are grateful for the life she lived and pray that Allah SWT bless her gentle soul.

May He bless the souls of the parents we have lost. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers. Thank you.”

The family is expected to release further details regarding funeral arrangements in due course.

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ASUU Threatens Nationwide Shutdown

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately implement the newly approved salary structure for university lecturers or face a possible nationwide shutdown of public universities.

The union issued a four-day ultimatum on Thursday, with its president, Christopher Piwuna, saying failure to act within the deadline would trigger a strong response.

Speaking at Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State, Piwuna said the government must begin payment under the new salary arrangement without further delay.

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“We have issued a four-day ultimatum from today to the federal government to commence payment of the newly approved salary structure. Failure to comply will attract a strong response from the union,” he said.

The warning comes months after ASUU and the federal government signed a renegotiated agreement in January, aimed at resolving long-standing disputes and preventing the recurring strikes that have plagued Nigeria’s university system.

At the heart of the agreement is a revised salary structure designed to improve lecturers’ welfare and finally address issues stemming from the controversial 2009 FG-ASUU pact, which remained largely unimplemented for years.

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