President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsallam Abubakar, and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, have felicitated with veteran pro-democracy activist and elder statesman, Chief Ayo Opadokun, on his 80th birthday.
In separate goodwill messages marking Opadokun’s 80th birthday on Wednesday, at the Ikate Baptist Church, Lagos, the leaders paid tribute to his contributions to Nigeria’s struggle against military dictatorship and the restoration of democratic rule.
Tinubu described Opadokun, a lawyer and former Secretary-General of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), as a man whose life of “sacrifice, courage, and patriotism” represented his commitment to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
The president recalled his close association with Opadokun during the June 12 struggle, noting that the activist’s 50th birthday was celebrated while he was in detention for his pro-democracy activities.
“I recall that his 50th birthday was marked in the cell where the anti-democratic forces detained him over his agitation for democracy,” Tinubu said.
He added that the experience prompted him, while serving as governor of Lagos State, to mobilise people to celebrate Opadokun’s 60th birthday.
Tinubu said Opadokun remained “consistent, principled, and unwavering” in his commitment to good governance, federalism and the rule of law, describing him as a “moral compass and voice of reason” in Nigeria’s political space.
“From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the conference hall of national discourse, Chief Opadokun has remained consistent, principled, and unwavering in his commitment to good governance, federalism, and the rule of law,” he said.
The President also recalled Opadokun’s role as a leading organiser and voice of NADECO and Afenifere during the struggle against military rule, noting that his activism exposed him to persecution, detention and crackdowns by security operatives during the regime of the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha.
He said the elder statesman’s “consistency, wisdom, and commitment to national unity” continued to inspire younger generations while assuring him that his administration would continue to pursue a more democratic, equitable and prosperous Nigeria.
Similarly, Abdulsallam praised Opadokun for dedicating his life to the defence of democratic ideals, justice, equity and the rule of law.
The former Head of State recalled that one of the early decisions of his administration after assuming office in 1998 was the release of political detainees, including Opadokun, who had spent more than two years in detention.
“Following the sudden demise of General Sani Abacha and my assumption of office as the Head of State, one of the early decisions of my administration was the release of political detainees, among whom was Chief Ayo Opadokun,” Obasanjo said.
He recalled subsequently inviting NADECO to participate in consultations on the transition programme that eventually culminated in the return to democratic rule in 1999.
According to him, his first personal encounter with Opadokun during those consultations led to a relationship founded on “mutual respect, understanding and confidence”.
Abdulsallam described Opadokun as “forthright, principled, patriotic and unwavering in his commitment to the Nigerian project”, saying the activist demonstrated the maturity to place national interest above personal considerations.
He credited Opadokun’s constructive engagement and counsel with contributing, within his sphere of influence, to the transition programme that restored democratic governance.
Abdulsallam said Opadokun’s life of “integrity, contentment, simplicity and unwavering devotion to the greatest good of the greatest number” remained worthy of emulation by present and future generations.
“True leadership is measured not by the pursuit of personal gain but by sacrificial service to humanity and country,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation had endured for 27 uninterrupted years, describing it as the longest period of democratic governance in the country’s history.
Also congratulating Opadokun, Daniel described the milestone as a celebration of a life devoted to “truth, justice, courage and selfless service”.
Former Ogun State governor, Aremo Segun Osoba, congratulated Pa Ayo Opadokun, acknowledging the celebrant’s sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“I congratulate the celebrant. You have suffered for the country and laboured for Nigeria. May the rest of your life be merry and enjoyable. He is the Secretary-General of NADECO. He suffered, but the strength of God was with him, and he survived.
“Today, the democracy we are enjoying, when history is properly written, the name Ayo Opadokun will be written in gold. He has sacrificed and survived for Nigeria. May he live the rest of his life to enjoy the rewards of his labour.”
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy and former Ogun State governor praised Opadokun’s contributions as a lawyer, journalist, pro-democracy campaigner and statesman.
Daniel particularly highlighted his role as secretary and principal spokesman of NADECO, saying the activist’s contributions to the democratic struggle remained an enduring chapter in Nigeria’s history.
He also commended Opadokun for championing the ideals of equity, good governance and the dignity of citizens, describing his wisdom, integrity and principled convictions as assets to national discourse.
Daniel prayed for renewed strength, sound health, peace and many more years of service to humanity and Nigeria for the octogenarian.
The Secretary-General of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Pastor Samuel Sanusi, who, on behalf of the society, presented a customised Bible to the octogenarian, described the celebrant as a disciplinarian and lover of the church.
He said, “I have known Pa Opadokun for over a decade in the course of my work at the BSN. We talked about how Baba would discipline his children for coming late to Bible study.
“The Baptist world has been wonderful. For Baba, I thank God for his life and legacy. We pray to see you in the next 10 years.”
The President of Women Arise Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, described Pa Ayo Opadokun as “an encyclopaedia of positive activism and a people’s general”.
Okei-Odumakin said Opadokun had demonstrated uncommon courage in the face of military oppression and persecution.
She said, “The celebrant is an encyclopedia of positive activism. He has remained consistent, with deep moral conviction and strength of character. This has been with him for ages.
“He has demonstrated uncommon courage at the barricade. When the locusts were ravaging our land, he was in the trenches with us. He always tread where ordinary mortals feared to go.
“During his incarceration, he was not deterred. He always spoke truth to power. He is a great patriot and a warrior of democracy. I am glad that we are here to celebrate Pa Ayo Opadokun. Nigeria is bleeding under the weight of corruption, but Pa Opadokun is incorruptible. I wish you many happy returns, sir.”
In his sermon, titled “The Man Truly Called by God”, Rev. (Dr) Kehinde Babarinde said it was only God Almighty who rewards, rather than man.
According to him, human awards are short-lived and cannot be inherited, while God’s rewards are everlasting.
He said, “Everything in this life is temporary. God is the owner of life. God calls people to different assignments. God rewards and does not give awards. God calls everybody. Is God calling you? If you are called, be faithful to your assignment.
“God has called us through love, and we must justify our faith through His righteousness. Let us do things in anticipation that heaven is real.”
Babarinde added, “The title of my sermon is ‘Standing on a Tripod.’ One, God calls alone. He gives assignments to those He calls, and He gives rewards to those He calls, while man gives awards.
“Ayo Opadokun is called to serve. So, anytime we are on the pulpit, we will give account, just as you will give an account of your stewardship on earth.
“Man’s awards are useless because they cannot be inherited, but God’s rewards are everlasting. May our nation uphold the values of holiness so that the people will be righteous and godly.
“Your calling has exemplified dignity and righteousness. May there be justice in the land. May we uphold our values. I have come to celebrate you today. I thank you for building the music ministry of this church. You are called to build lives, and you will continue to build lives.”
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