Politics
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.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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