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Ajimobi: Nigeria has lost one of her best ever – Ayandele
A former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Dr. Olusola Ayandele has lamented the death of former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, describing it as the loss of one of the best brains Nigeria has ever produced and thrown up to lead and serve his people as well as humanity as a whole.
Ajimobi, the first and only two term governor of Oyo state, was until his death the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC. Reports had it that he died at a Lagos hospital where he had been receiving treatment for complications arising from COVID-19 infection which kept him away from the public glare for some weeks before he breathed his last on Thursday.
In a condolence message made available to pen pushers on Friday in Ibadan, Dr. Ayandele disclosed that the death of Sen. Ajimobi had robbed Nigeria of one citizen whose service and sacrifice to fatherland and humanity as a whole would remain indelible in the anal of history of mankind.
“Sen. Ajimobi was a rare gem who discovered himself from the beginning of his life and he did not miss any opportunity to demonstrate the stuff he was made of. He inherited the traits of leadership from his parents and uncle who were great individuals in their own respect but the late former governor took some steps further to add more value to himself and this enabled him to cover more grounds and touched more lives locally and internationally.
“A leader in the true sense of it, Sen. Ajimobi came to office as governor of Oyo state fully prepared. With his carefully packaged key agenda of restoration, transformation and repositioning, he was able to change the story of our dear state for the better. He waged a successful war against dirty environment, insecurity, brigandage and bad governance. It was Ajimobi who changed the face of governance away from sloppiness, tardiness, window dressing and self service.
“He left an indelible imprints on the sands of time as a consummate captain of industry, successful manager, seasoned administrator, colorful politician, jinx breaker, proud son of Ibadanland, responsible family man, darling of a multitude and, more importantly, architect of modern Oyo state. Ajimobi left our dear state far better than he met it and we will never forget him in a hurry.
“His death at this inauspicious time marks the end of an era as it leaves a bitter pill in our mouth to swallow. Nevertheless, we are consoled by the beautiful memories of the time he spent with us and the wonderful legacy he left behind. Our condolences go to his widow and former First Lady in the state, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, his children and the entire Ajimobi family of Oja’ba in Ibadan as well as President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Akin Oke and other members of his political family.
“In conclusion, Distinguished Senator Ajimobi lived a fulfilled life and offered the right tutelage to many younger ones directly and indirectly. We pray Allah to grant Sen. Ajimobi eternal rest and give his numerous admirers, supporters and associates, at home and abroad, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, Ayandele added.
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
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