President Muhammadu Buhari, and the governors of Oyo, Lagos, Osun states as well as others have been mourning the demise of former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who died in Lagos on Thursday.
The President, who recalled the contributions of the late former governor to both his state and the nation, condoled the people and government of Oyo State over his death.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari, who also commiserated with the family of the deceased, noted that his would be felt by all, especially by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with government and people of Oyo State over the passing of a former governor, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, whose contributions to the development of the state, and nation, will always be remembered.
“The President commiserates with the family of the former governor, who served the country as a Senator, 2003, before winning the governorship election in 2011, remaining steadfast and consistent in his progressive views, and working assiduously for the creation of the All Progressives Congress.
“As the party chieftain bows out, President Buhari believes he left the world at a crucial moment when the party and the country needed his counsels to heal, and grow, noting that his absence will be sorely felt by all associates, particularly in the APC.
“The President prays that the Almighty God will comfort the family of the former governor, and grant him a peaceful rest”, the statement said.
When reacting to the news of Ajimobi’s demise, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, expressed sadness while also directing that the state’s flag fly at half mast on Friday.
The condolence message he personally signed read: “I was so sorry to hear the news of the passing away of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, which sad event took place earlier today.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain the family must be going through at this time because of the loss of their patriarch. It is my prayer that God grants them all the strength to bear this great loss.
“I join the good people of Oyo State as we mourn the death of a statesman. I have directed that flags fly at half-mast tomorrow in honour of our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State.
“Surely, he will be remembered for leaving a blueprint for some of the activities that our administration is now undertaking.
“The Oyo State Government will be extending to his family, all the courtesies deserving of his personage. May his soul rest in peace.”
In his own reaction,
The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the death of the former Governor as a great loss to his family, the people of the Oyo State and the country as a whole.
The Governor added that he is saddened by the loss.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Thursday, said Ajimobi’s shocking demise, after all efforts by medical professionals to stabilize him, when he took ill, has opened a deep sore in the hearts of millions of Nigerians, who looked up to him as a rallying point and a political stabilizer.
He said: “the passage of Senator Ajimobi hurt me. My heart was filled with grief when I was informed that I had lost another political icon our battle against the coronavirus.”
“Senator Ajimobi was more than a politician, he was a man of many parts, whose managerial skills and experience are required at this critical period in our national life.
“Senator Ajimobi was a distinguished Nigerian, who bestrode the economic and political space of the country like a colossus. He made his mark in the corporate world before venturing into politics.
“As the first elected Governor to serve two terms in Oyo State, his achievements will remain indelible in the annals of political history of that State and Nigeria as a whole.”
While commiserating with the deceased’s family, Sanwo-Olu urged them to take heart, saying ‘‘the death of loved ones is usually one of the most painful episodes in peoples’ lives but we must realize that death is inevitable. We all will die someday. Therefore we must gather enough strength to carry on.”
“It is with heavy heart that I commiserate with his beloved wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the children and other family members he left behind. My heart and prayers are with you all at this period of your grief. May God comfort you.”
“May Allah grant the soul of late Isiaka Ajimobi eternal rest and preserve a place for him in Aljanah firdaus.” Sanwo-Olu said.
In his own message, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun state commiserated with the family of the deceased.
Oyetola, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, described the former Oyo Governor’s death as unfortunate, painful and a great loss.
He said his thoughts and prayers are with the Ajimobi family, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the people of Oyo State.
“I am shocked and saddened by the demise of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. His death is unfortunate, painful and a huge loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ajimobi family, his loved ones, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Oyo State, whom he served meritoriously as Governor for eight years,” the governor said.
Oyetola noted that Ajimobi’s administration brought reforms and unprecedented development to Oyo and its people, adding that he changed the face of governance in the State.
He said: “As a two-term governor, Senator Ajimobi redefined governance in Oyo State. His administration embarked on unprecedented infrastructure development in the State and redefined the urban status and development profile of not only the capital city, Ibadan but other major cities in the State.
“Senator Ajimobi was also a true progressive and a loyal party man. He was committed to the ideals of the APC and will be sorely missed by the party.”
Governor Oyetola prayed to Almighty Allah to overlook his shortcomings and grant him aljanah firdaus. He also asked God to comfort his family and loved ones.
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola, Alice Egbedele, Blessing Donatus, Mariam Azeez and Kunle Gazali
