Mr. Banji Ayiloge is a versatile individual whose life’s path encompasses the fields of journalism, politics, and activism, and his experiences have connected him to both the Nigerian and global arenas.
Education and Journalism
Ayiloge was born in Ijare, Ondo State, where he received his elementary education. He then attended secondary school in Akure and Igbara-Oke before enrolling at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos in the 1970s.
Mr. Ayiloge embarked on his journalism career, making valuable contributions to esteemed organizations. He initially served at the Federal Ministry of Communications before joining prominent media outlets, including the Daily Times group, the New Nigerian, and later, Lagos Radio/Television, where he held roles as a senior reporter and editor.
Motivated by an ardent desire to understand the intricacies of development, Banji Ayiloge pursued higher education in the United States. His academic pursuits led him to the New York Institute of Technology, where he achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (B.F.A) in Communication Arts. His thirst for knowledge on development issues then took him to Fordham University in New York, where he earned a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy and Development.
Political Career: After completing his studies, Mr Banji Ayiloge gained invaluable experience in the private sector and civil service in New York. Nevertheless, his unwavering commitment to his people called him back in 2002. That same year, Chief Adefarati appointed him as the State Commissioner for Information in Ondo
state, a role influenced by their party’s
recommendation.
He remained in Nigeria for over a decade, occasionally traveling abroad to tend to his businesses and be with his family. During those years, he traversed the State and the country and was regularly featured on radio and television
Current Role:
Today, Banji Ayiloge is the co-founder of ATUNTO, an organization dedicated to campaigning for Nigeria’s return to a regional governmental system, as outlined in the 1963 constitution. Atunto believes that the 1963 constitution offers a better path to rapid development than the current winner-takes-all presidential system, which pits one section of the country against another.
Ayiloge served as the Vice
Chairman of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM), the collaborative body of Yorùbá Self-determination groups, where he positioned the organization as comprising intellectuals and professionals, making it the apex decision-making body of the Yoruba self-determination movement. He was a versatile
commentator on Ondo Radio and Television (TV) on political and developmental issues. Additionally, he remained in the troubled AD party until 2010, even as others moved on to other parties. Also in that same year, he became the pioneering Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Ondo State. He represented the Southwest in the CPC Chairman’s panel that recommended the merger of CPC with other regional parties, including ACN, APGA, and others.
Activism:
In addition to his political endeavors, Mr Ayiloge is a lifelong advocate for rights and activism. He served as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Peoples Forum and was the former National Secretary of Egbe Omo Yorùbá in North America. He played a pivotal role in the struggle for civil rule in Nigeria as a founding member of the Nigerian Peoples Forum in New York.
His dedication extended to organizations such as NADECO ABROAD, UDFN, and NALICON, all of which were committed to restoring civilian administrations in Nigeria during the prolonged military regime.
During his tenure as the National Secretary of Egbe Omo Yorùbá, the organization established Yorùbá House in Washington, DC, which served as the headquarters for resistance against the military regime. They also launched the Yorùbá radio station, Ijinle Ohun Omo Odua, which broadcasts directly to the Yorùbá people in Nigeria. Banji Ayiloge was a co-producer and co-host of the television program “African Peoples Forum,” which aired on the public access channel in the New York area.
Framework to pursue the dream of Yorùbá Self-determination. He has not only established a framework for collaboration but has also actively engaged in advocacy efforts to raise awareness and garner support for the cause, both domestically and internationally.
Importantly, his emphasis on peaceful dialogue and diplomacy has maintained a non-violent stance within the movement, ensuring credibility and respect. Today, his efforts have significantly advanced the cause of achieving Yorùbá Self-Determination while maintaining a commitment to a culture of inclusivity.
Hobbies
Gardening, Reading, a stroll in the park, and listening to a variety of music.
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