President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), Chief Olusegun Osoba and other eminent Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to the Secretary of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Pa Ayo Opadokun, as he clocked 80, describing him as a moral compass and voice of reason in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The tributes were contained in congratulatory messages from the President and the former Head of State, which were read by Reverend Olusegun Ogungboye of Grace Baptist Church, Offa, Kwara State, at a service held at Ikate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos.
The service was tagged: “Ayo Opadokun at 80: Testimonies of Impact.”
President Tinubu described Opadokun’s life as one of sacrifice, courage and patriotism in the struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, saying it was a testament to his character and conviction.
“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.
“As a comrade-in-arms in the fight against military dictatorship, I recall with pride the shared sacrifices and the resolve that ultimately birthed the Fourth Republic, now in its 27th year and still counting.
“Chief Opadokun was a leading voice and organiser for NADECO and Afenifere in their struggle against military dictatorship. Owing to his activist stance, he suffered persecution, detention and targeted crackdowns by state security operatives during the Abacha military regime.”
Tinubu commended Opadokun for his continued role as a moral compass and voice of reason in the polity.
He said Opadokun’s recent books, including Gun Hegemony and his memoir, The NADECO Story, which detail historical accounts of military interventions and civil-military relations, serve as reminders of the dark era and point the way towards a more glorious Nigeria.
“Let me assure Chief Opadokun that, fired by our shared vision, the Renewed Hope Administration under my leadership will continue to strive for a more democratic, more equitable and more prosperous Nigeria.
“On this important milestone of his 80th birthday, I celebrate Chief Opadokun and wish him many more years of good health and service to the nation.”
Abdulsalami Abubakar said Opadokun’s attainment of the milestone offered an opportunity not only to congratulate him on completing four score years but also to reflect on a life devoted to the service of Nigeria, the defence of democratic ideals and the pursuit of justice, equity and the rule of law.
He noted that Opadokun’s consistency, wisdom and commitment to national unity continued to inspire younger generations, adding that he remained unrelenting in his advocacy for a true federal constitutional democracy.
Abubakar recalled that Opadokun was among the first set of people he met after he became Head of State in 1998.
“Throughout our interactions, I found him to be forthright, principled, patriotic and unwavering in his commitment to the Nigerian project. While remaining faithful to the convictions of the democratic movement, he demonstrated remarkable maturity, sincerity and readiness to place the national interest above personal considerations,” Abubakar said.
Osoba, who attended the service, congratulated Opadokun and acknowledged his 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.”
In his message, former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said Opadokun’s unwavering commitment to the democratic struggle, particularly his sterling role as secretary and principal spokesman of NADECO, remained an enduring chapter in Nigeria’s history.
