The late Chiefs Ayo Adebanjo and Edwin Kiagbodo Clark shared a vision with late elder statesman, Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, and a host of others. They wanted Nigeria restructured to true federalism and died fighting for the cause.
Asked in 2005 why he was still in the trenches at 82, waging a struggle that he started around the age of 21, Chief Enahoro said: “The youth of my generation set out to struggle for freedom, modernization, and democracy. As you know, we succeeded with freedom. We also succeeded, to a great extent, with modernization, but it is sad that Nigeria has had a deplorable record with democratization. We have failed so far.
“Until that goal is realised, I consider it a betrayal of the dreams of my generation and colleagues, many of whom died in our struggles, to retreat. I refuse to believe that destiny has let me live so long in reasonable health for me to betray our struggle and selfishly confine myself to personal matters.”
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Indeed, Enahoro continued the struggle for another five years until he died on December 15, 2010, at 87. Like him, Adebanjo and Clark waged the war for true federalism, restructuring, resource control, equity, justice, and fairness until they expired.
While Adebanjo died on February 14, 2025, aged 96, Clark joined him three days later, on February 17, aged 97.
Over the years, many distinguished Nigerians like the trio dedicated their lives to the fight for restructuring, advocating for true federalism, equity, and justice. Sadly, they passed on without witnessing the realisation of their vision for Nigeria. Below is a list of prominent figures both dead and alive who are in pursuit of this cause.
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FRA Williams
MCK Ajuluchukwu
Abraham Adesanya
Olanihun Ajayi
Solanke Onasanya
Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu
Air Commodore Dan Suleiman
Alhaji Balarabe Musa
Dr. Frederick Fasehun
Chief Mbazulike Amaechi
Chief Guy Ikokwu
Professor Ben Nwabueze
Chief Anthony Enahoro
Professor Kimse Okoko
Chief Frank Kokori
Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife
Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu
Dr. Tunji Braithwaite
Dr. Tunji Otegbeye
Professor George Obiozor
Chief Francis Ellah
Professor Ben Obumselu
Professor Ejike Chiweite
Mr. Yinka Odumakin
Fighters and Crusaders
Still Alive
Obong Victor Attah
Chief Emeka Anyaoku
Professor Anya O. Anya
Professor Wole Soyinka
Professor Bola Akinyemi
Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele
Chief Supo Shonibare
Senator Femi Okurounmu
Chief Solomon Asemota
Ms. Ann Kio-Briggs
Professor Mike Ozekhome
Mr. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko
Chief Chekwas Okorie
Alhaji Shettima Yerimma
Comrade Wale Okunniyi
Iba Gani Adams
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
Chief Goddy Uwazuruike
Professor Pat Utomi
(VANGUARD)
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