By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, has described the death of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a rude shock and a bitter pill to swallow.

The young Alao-Akala in a condolence statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, said Senator Ajimobi was his father, leader and benefactor.

Part of the statement reads:

“I am deeply shattered by the passing of His Excellency Abiola Ajimobi. He was a giant and respected Nigerian leader who brought profound insight, commitment, and moral fortitude to the governance of Oyo State during his 8years reign as Executive Governor”

“It was my honor to be under daddy’s tutelage until his demise. His guidance and vision was an enormous gift. I will forever cherish his example”.

Senator Ajimobi’s integrity and moral vision for Oyo State and Nigeria were extraordinary. He was the heart and soul of Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC); a dignified leader with a voice that could move mountains. He will be sorely missed by the people of Oyo State and the progressive family worldwide”

My heart goes out to my dearest mother, Her Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, the Ajimobis, his colleagues and the APC. Daddy was indeed a moral and ethical leader. Now we will be guided by his powerful memory and incomparable legacies in politics and governance.

“I pray to Allah to Comfort us, people Forgive his inadequacies and Grant him Aljana Fridauz. Adieu my daddy, leader, great mentor and benefactor!” the statement concluded.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Chairman, Oyo Pacesetters Transport, Dare Adeleke has described the death of former government of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a great loss to the state.

Adeleke who says he is still reeling in shock over the death of the respected statesman said: “He was an Ibadan irredentist and my uncle that loved me with all his heart. We are from Oja ‘ba just as His Excellency, Gov Seyi Makinde. He will be greatly missed. A genuine and kindhearted man.” Adeleke stressed that Ajimobi definitely left his footprint in the sand of time.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, Adeleke said: “Ajimobi also noted that the late senator impacted in everyone who came in contact with him. “He was a great administrator and a gentleman who made hard work and discipline priority.”

Adeleke in a statement issued on Ibadan prayed for God to grant the ex-governor eternal rest and that God should give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja and Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, a former Secretary to the State Government have joined in mourning the death of former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi.

The duo in their separate statements made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan, described Ajimobi’s death as a great loss to the family, state and Nigeria.

Ladoja in his statement signed by his Media Aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, described the death of the immediate past governor as a great to his family and the entire state.

The Ibadan high Chief said that the late Ajimobi contributed his quota to the development of the state and Nigeria.

“Late Abiola Ajimobi after a successful career at National Oil now Conoil PLC served as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for 4 years before serving as governor of the state for 8 years.” he said.

He expressed condolence to the people of the state and immediate family of late, praying God grant him eternal rest.

Also, Alli in his statement, described the death of the former Gov. Ajimobi as a great loss to the state and Nigeria.

The former governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the state also , said that the late Ajimobi contributed his quota to the development of the state and Nigeria.

Alli prayed that Almighty Allah grant the deceased eternal rest and the people as well as immediate family fortitude to bear the loss.

The death of former Governor Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi was met with shock and sadness throughout the country.

Senator Ajimobi was my very thoughtful first cousin, political leader and benefactor. I respect my egbon for his extraordinary intelligence and sincerity of purpose. When it comes to saying the truth he didn’t care whose ox was gored.

Ajimobi was truly a distinguished Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria. Between 2003 and 2007, I had a very robust collaboration with him to fight, defend and protect the popular interests of the people of Oyo State in the red chamber. Owing to his immense contributions in the hallowed chamber, the Nigerian Senate will undoubtedly set a day aside to honour our Distinguished late colleague, Senator Ajimobi.

Ajimobi’s friends and foes know that he was a powerful strategist with high intelligence and the ability to read situations; a man of quality ideas and quick thinking no matter how complex the situation. Love him or hate him, he was fearless in the face of tough decisions with focus on excellence and best practices.

Senator Ajimobi served Oyo State and Nigeria with dedication, humility and honour, first as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, next as unprecedented two-term Governor of the Pacesetter State and then Deputy National Chairman (South) doubled as Acting National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The death of His Excellency Ajimobi has robbed the progressive family of its eloquent and exemplary leader. He will be sorely missed by the APC family, the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

Though Ajimobi is no more, his legendary achievements as a public administrator live on. He was undoubtedly and universally acknowledged as the Architect of Modern Oyo State; his Koseleri records in the governance of Oyo State will be very difficult to match.

I salute our fallen leader for his qualitative services to Nigeria and the APC. We will eternally remember Mr. Constituted Authority for his hard work, dedication and commitment.

To my dear sister, Her Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, the children and other Ajimobis I extend my sincerest condolences and offer supports as we grieve my first cousin’s passing.

To the APC family, the Ajimobi political dynasty and the friends of late Governor, may Allah give us the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. His Excellency may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

May ALLAH Forgive his shortcomings and Grant him Aljana Fridauz. Amin!

Adieu my blood, great leader and benefactor..

Oloye Teslim Kolawole Folarin, OFR

Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District

It was just like yesterday. He had received a call to come to Abuja. It was to discuss party matters. He was not sure of who would follow him. Because it was a private flight, he had limited options. He only went with his security aide.

He had told us earlier in our office in his Oluyole home that we would talk about the movement to Abuja since he had become the Deputy National Chairman. Our office had to shift to Abuja.

He was in his usual caftan and cap, always impeccably dressed even at home except when he does his exercise every morning in his blue track down and stripe blue Tee-shirt and branded cap. With his earpiece and phone in hand, he would walk round the building several times to exrcise.

“We will leave by 2.00pm”, he said that fateful day. A special private flight had been arranged for him.

He radiated good health and we still marvelled that he still looked so good for his 70 years. As he left our wing of the house to the other side, a few of us in our usual manner trailed him. He spoke with a few people in the courtyard before he left to prepare for that trip. I never knew it was going to be the last time I would see him.

But in his usual organised manner, there was no pending issue. He had taken care of everything. He had signed all the letters of appointment for the peace and reconciliation committee.

I still can’t wrap my head round what happened. He was so healthy, he was neat, he took all the necessary precautions even while he sat with us in our open office he was always with his face mask, we always observe social distancing. We were always quick to give him hands sanitizer anytime he touched something. We were conscious of his age and did all we could to ensure safety. We had three spots where you had to wash hands before entering the premises. One at each of the main entrance gates and another by the entrance to our office. We observed all due protocols. So what happened? How did it happen? None of us was sick. So where did this come from? I am still trying to find answers.

He never wanted anything else after the general election. He only wanted to take a long, due rest after serving for 8 years without break. But another position was thrust on him. He never solicited for us and he did not want. But they convinced him to accept. I know because in his usual forthrightness, he narrated how it happened. He took the positions because he felt it would benefit his people. ‘ I have done my bit. There is nothing I set out to achieve that I did not, I cannot be governor again, but I cannot leave you people’, he would say.

But what went wrong? I am at a loss. I was so sure he would get up the sick bed. I was so sure because there were unfinished businesses. There were so many tasks that he had planned ahead to better the lot of the people. So I was convinced he would come to complete those tasks. I never knew it would end this way.

A legend is born with the death of a hero. You will forever remain in my heart, in our heart. I have learnt so much from you. You were a willing teacher. You would deliberately sit with us and tell us about life experiences. The idea was to learn from you. And we learnt. You would have been suprised if we had not learnt. As you were quick to point out, you never had an academic Ph.D, but you had Ph.D in experiences and what life had to teach.

I can go on and on reminiscing about you. About that other side that people never saw. That soft part of you that people never knew existed.

This is cathartic for me because I am still in shock. Am at a loss. Everything within a month.

Did we see this coming? No. Not this. Not that you would go so soon. Were there signs? Yes. From the most unlikeliest of sources. But not like this. Not to death…Though the music stopped, the melody continues. You will forever be remembered.

Good nite Sir. Just the way I always text you.

Bolaji Tunji, former Governor Ajimobi’s Media Aide.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has described the death of Senator Ajimobi as a very sad news, though we have been apprehensive of his health status for about a week.

Balogun in a condolence statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Rotimi Johnson, said the health of the late Deputy National Chairman has been issue of concern to well wishers since the news of his hospitalization about three weeks ago, but more worrisome since last week, after he was rumored to have passed away.

According to the statement, “Some of us joined family and friends to pray for his quick recovery; for God to deliver him from the grip of Covid 19. According to Sen Balogun; “Gov Ajimobi would be remembered for breaking jinx of second term in Oyo State and for other daring projects. Without mincing words, we have lost another illustrious son of Ibadan, a great politician and administrator. We would have loved to have him with us for more years but God loves him more and knows better”.

Senator Kola Balogun concluded his message by expressing his condolence to the Wife of the late former Governor, Chief Mrs Florence Ajimobi and other members of the family, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Olubadan of Ibadan, leaders and members of the All Progress Congress in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. 

“Also, our people should be more prayerful, careful and take every precaution as directed by Covid 19 task force. Together, we shall overcome this pandemic”. 

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Senator Buhari Abdulfatai representing Oyo North Senatorial District has joined prominent figures in the country to mourn the immediate former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who died few hours ago after a brief illness.

The Senator in a press release made available to journalists on Thursday evening described late Ajimobi as a worthy political leader and unforgettable benefactor who will be missed by leaders and members of All Progressives Congress not only in Oyo State but Nigeria as a whole.

He expressed “Our leader and benefactor came, saw and conquered. He built many people into the political system of the country and he will surely be remembered for excellence, competence and hardwork as an administrator”.

Recalling his days when serving as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters under the leadership of Governor Ajimobi, Senator Buhari said the deceased served the State with deep sense of justice and equity.

Describing Ajimobi as the best Governor Oyo State has ever produced till date, Senator Buhari hinted that all the good deeds he recorded will continue to speak for him.

“No doubt in the fact that Governor Ajimobi will be appreciatively remembered by people of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. He did his very best and he contributed to better governance of our State and country.

While praying onto God to give the family of Governor Ajimobi the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, Senator Buhari prayed for the deceased to rest in peace and Allah rewards him with Aljanna Firdaous on the day of accountability.

He extended his condolences to All Progressives Congress family in Oyo State and Nigeria in general.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) commiserates with the people of Oyo State and the ruling All Progressive Congress as well as sports writers in the Pace Setter State over the death of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State who was also the Association’s Grand Patron, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi. 

The former Governor died on Thursday, 25th June  2020, of complications arising from Covid 19 and other ailments at First Cardiology Hospital Ikoyi in Lagos at the age of 70.

In a condolence message signed its State Chairman Mr Niyi Alebiosu and Secretary, Mr Adewale Tijani, Oyo SWAN said the death of Late Ajimobi is a collosal loss not only to his family but to Nigeria as a whole.

“Late Ajimobi was a great leader and a benevolent father to sports writers in Oyo state. The bus we are using presently was donated by the late former Governor”, the Association recalled.

During his first term of office, he put smile on sportsmen and women through the monetary rewards his administration gave to the state contingents to several sporting events. He also did well as our Grand Patron. We will miss  him”, it added.

Late Ajimobi was the first Oyo state Governor to spend two terms in office, a feat that earned him the nickname ‘Koseleri’. 

The former Governor was an athlete during his secondary school days and was fondly called Archipelago by mates and friends.

He would be remembered for his outspokenness and jovial nature.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

A legal luminary and politician, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), has described the death of former governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as a colossal loss not only to Nigeria but the entire Black race in the global community.

Sen. Ajimobi reportedly died yesterday at a Lagos hospital as a result of complications from undisclosed health conditions after he was said to have contracted Covid-19 few weeks ago. He was 70 years old.

Chief Akintola said, in a condolence message made available to journalists in Ibadan on Friday by his Personal Assistant, Prince Olumuyiwa Akinbiyi, that Ajimobi would never be forgotten in the history of mankind as one of the finest Africans who did his best to change the face of leadership and public administration in the 21st century.

“Former governor Ajimobi was a courageous man who traversed many areas of life and impacted positively. After a successful career in the organized private sector, he came into politics with a mission to change the face of democratic governance and he was able to achieve a lot despite many odds which came his way.

“At a time when democracy was heading for the rock in 2006 , when an individual planned to place his personal interest above that of the whole country (Nigeria), Sen. Ajimobi was among the courageous federal lawmakers who stood their ground and thwarted the ill-advised third term agenda of the then civilian president. This was in addition to his brilliant contributions to legislative activities and robust engagement at the 5th National Assembly.

“On the home front, Ajimobi became a governor of Oyo state in 2011 and it took him a little time to convince the whole world about his readiness and determination to change the narrative of sloppiness and window dressing. He came up with a broad vision to restore, transform and reposition the Pacesetter state and after an unprecedented two consecutive terms of uninterrupted eight years in office, he emerged the indisputable Architect of Modern Oyo State.

“Losing such a great man to the cold arms of death at a time when his wealth of experience, renewed passion and candour is needed more indicate a disaster of an unquantifiable magnitude.

However, we find solace in the legacy of hard work, innovation and unbeatable achievements which he left behind. May God grant him eternal rest and uphold members of his immediate family as well as all his friends, supporters and associates.” Akintola stated.