The National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, has described the late Lucia Onabanjo as a model in supporting one’s family and making a positive impact in the community.
He stated this in a message released by the national publicity secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday.
Reports indicate that Lucia Onabanjo passed away on Monday, January 11, at the age of 100.
PUNCH Online reports that her late husband, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, was the first civilian Governor of Ogun State, serving from October 1979 to December 1983.
A renowned journalist, Onabanjo was famous for his weekly column, Aiyekooto, in which he reflected on society and highlighted issues affecting the people and government. He was also one of the ardent supporters of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Fasoranti recalled that even before and during her husband’s tenure as governor, Lucia Onabanjo carried herself with dignity and humility.
“All through the professional and political career of her late husband, Mama stood firmly. She managed the home front in such a manner that enabled her husband to excel both in his journalistic career and in public service as a politician.
“It was therefore not a surprise that Onabanjo reached the pinnacle of his profession and political career. Indeed, it was through following Awolowo and identifying with his philosophy that I came into direct contact with Onabanjo – and, by extension, his wife.
“She stood firmly with her husband without interfering negatively in his political engagements. She was a model as a wife and mother,” he stressed.
The Asiwaju Yoruba added that when Onabanjo faced political persecution, particularly under the military after the 1983 coup, Mama did everything possible to ensure that the family did not suffer.
“On behalf of the entire Afenifere family and Yorubas generally, we extend our condolences to the immediate and extended families of the Onabanjos and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late matriarch,” he said.
