The Ijebu Igbo Man Who Survived 40 Bullets, the Legendary ‘Apamaku’ Late Pa Chief Abraham Adesanya

By Ayo Marvel

Late Chief Pa Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya, popularly known as “Apamaku” (the one death could not kill), was one of Nigeria’s greatest pro-democracy leaders. Born on July 24, 1922, in Ijebu Igbo, he passed away on April 27, 2008, in Apapa, Lagos, at the age of 85.

The legendary Pa Ezekiel Adekoya Adesanya, fondly known as Baba Olobukagbo, was a respected elder from Ijebu Igbo and the proud father of the renowned Nigerian politician and pro-democracy leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya. Later Pa Adesanya lived a long and remarkable life and passed away in 1969 at the age of 105.

The late Elderstateman Pa Adesanya earned the nickname Apamaku in 1997 when he survived an assassination attempt by the notorious hit squad of then-dictator General Sani Abacha.

While returning from his office in Lagos in his chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz, his car was riddled with over 40 bullets, yet neither he nor his driver was injured. His calm response during the attack telling his driver, “Drive on. No bullet will touch us” became legendary. The bullet-riddled car was later preserved at the Lagos State Museum as a symbol of courage.

Before this attack, Pa Adesanya had become the Asiwaju of Yorubaland, following the death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was a key figure in Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group and served as deputy leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy movement formed after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, widely believed to have been won by late MKO Abiola.

During the height of military oppression, many activists, including NADECO leader Chief Anthony Enahoro, fled the country. Pa Adesanya chose to stay, standing firm against military rule alongside other prominent figures like Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, and Olisa Agbakoba. When General Abacha tried to transition to a civilian president, Pa Adesanya boldly opposed him.

On January 14, 1997, Abacha’s hit squad, led by Barnabas Jabila (Sergeant Rogers), ambushed Adesanya’s car. Bullets shattered the windshield and perforated the seats, but both Adesanya and his driver emerged unscathed. Reflecting on his survival, he later explained it using a Yoruba proverb: “Ọ̀wọ̀ ti a fi wọ igbá là fi wọ kóró inú rẹ̀,” meaning the same protection given to the calabash is given to the seed inside.

Late Chief Pa Adesanya’s life was a testament to courage and principle. He could have fled Nigeria like many others, but he chose to stay and continue the struggle for democracy. After the deaths of Awolowo and Adekunle Ajasin, he took up the mantle as Asiwaju of Yorubaland, guiding Yoruba leaders and ensuring their voice remained strong in national politics.

A lawyer by profession, Pa Adesanya studied at Holborn College of Law, Grey’s Inn in the UK, before returning to Nigeria in 1959 to join the Action Group led by Obafemi Awolowo. He was elected to the Western House of Assembly representing Ijebu Igbo and later served in the Senate during Nigeria’s Second Republic. He even led a team of lawyers defending Awolowo against treason charges in 1962.

Throughout his life, Pa Adesanya remained committed to democracy, justice and the welfare of Nigerians. He fought against military oppression, mentored younger leaders, and ensured the Yoruba people had a strong voice in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.

In recognition of his enduring legacy, The Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo was renamed Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic (AAPOLY) in 2009. The renaming, enacted via Edict 37 by the Ogun State House of Assembly, was meant to honor and immortalize the late senator. The institution, established in 2005, continues to operate at its Atikori, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State site, serving as a lasting reminder of Adesanya’s impact on education and society.

Late Pa Chief Abraham Adesanya passed away peacefully in 2008, leaving behind no wealth, no armies, but a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to democracy.

He will always be remembered as Apamaku, the man death could not kill.

He was laid to rest at his residence in Ijebu Igbo, leaving behind a legacy remembered by many in the community.