Grand-Daughter Posts Moving Tribute to ex-Afenifere Leader Who Survived Abacha’s Assassination Attempt

27th April 2024

Tutu Abraham-Adesanya, a grand-daughter of the late founding leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Senator Abraham Adesanya, has paid glowing tribute to her grandfather, 16 years after his death.

Tutu, who tweeted as @LionessofIjebu, paid the tribute on Saturday, in an emotional message on X.

During his lifetime, Adesanya was a prominent Nigerian politician and lawyer whose acumen played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

He was born on December 25, 1922, and died on April 27, 2008.

Adesanya was highly respected among the Yorubas for his activism, particularly in advocating for democracy and the rights of Yoruba people.

According to Tutu, Adesanya, an Afenifere leader fondly referred to as ‘Lalala’, was unwavering in his commitment to the Yoruba people and in his pursuit of democratic ideals.

She noted that the late senator, who was also a key figure in the Alliance for Democracy and served as its national chairman, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.

In her tribute, she wrote, “Dear friends, family and followers, Today, I commemorate the 16th year passing of my grandfather, the late Senator Abraham Adesanya, affectionately known to his family as Lalala! He was a prominent politician, a respected lawyer, a tireless activist, and a champion of democracy and social justice.

“His unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and his staunch pursuit of democratic ideals left an indelible mark on the political landscape of our beautiful country Nigeria. He stood firm in the face of military persecution, and narrowly escaped assassination for his pro-democracy activism (I was a child at the time and my younger brother who is an audit manager at the bank today would be no more if the assassin had succeeded in his attempt to assassinate my grandfather).

“His courage and resilience in the fight against authoritarian rule inspired many and paved the way for the democratic progress we enjoy today. As I reflect on his legacy, I am reminded of the principles he held dear, the rights of the Yoruba people, the importance of civic engagement, and the uncompromising pursuit of justice and equality. with this, his legacy continues to guide me, reminding me of the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.”

While honouring his memory, Tutu admitted that his pursuit of democratic ideals had had a long-lasting impact on her and many other Nigerians.

She said, “Today, I honour his memory and the indelible impact he had on my life and the lives of countless others, as I carry forward his spirit of activism, his dedication to democracy, and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our society today. May his example inspire some if not most of us to be bold, courageous, and unyielding in our pursuit of a better Nigeria.”

Continuing, Tutu prayed for the repose of his soul and for his legacies to live on for a lifetime.

“Rest in peace, Lalala, your memories and legacy will forever be etched in my heart”, she concluded.