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.
