Friday, April 5 was a great day for the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as he glowingly eulogized his wife, Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi as she celebrated her 60th birthday.
He submitted that God’s kindness made it possible for him to break the second term jinx and record many unprecedented feats, saying he had no reason to regret over his senatorial election loss.
The governor made these submissions while addressing guests at a thanksgiving service to mark the 60th birthday of his wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, held at the Government House, Ibadan.
On hand to rejoice with the state’s first family were the Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Wife of Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; her Imo State counterpart, Mrs Nkechi Okorocha; Wife of Ogun State Governor-elect, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; and Wife of the immediate past governor of Osun State, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, among other dignitaries.
Having ruled for eight uninterrupted years, which marked the first in the history of the state, the governor said that God had been merciful and kind to him to use him to rewrite the history of the state for good.
Ajimobi said that he, therefore, had no reason to regret or worry over his failed senatorial bid and his unsuccessful attempt to hand over to a successor from his party, the All Progressives Congress.
He said: “God has been kind to me for making it possible for me to break the second term jinx, and in the last eight years, it is on record that we recorded so many unprecedented feats for which posterity and history makers will be kind to us.
“If you consider the key performance index, we have done well. It is true that I would have loved to go to the Senate; it is also true that I would have loved to hand over to a successor from my party. But God said No, and who are we to query Him. For what He has done for us, we have many reasons to thank Him.
“As individuals, if we can think deeply on a daily basis, we will know that God has been kind to us. I’m the 27th governor of this state and unarguably the longest serving in the history of Oyo State.
“So, I want people to be happy for us because God has used us to do many things in this state. I therefore want to say to our supporters again that there is no cause for regrets. They should stop ruing or brooding over our questionable loss in the last election.”
Ajimobi added that her wife’s generosity, philanthropic gestures and warmth had endeared her to people from every stratum of the society who daily describe her in glowing terms and honorifics.
Recalling the story of how they met at a Lagos bank 40 years ago, the governor said it was love at first sight and that he had the inkling that she would be his wife on their first date.
Ajimobi said: “The love I have for my wife is because she is an epitome of pure love; she’s always giving without expecting anything in return; she’s very loving, accommodating, caring, generous, and she has the rare gift of keeping old and new friends, including school mates of over 40 years.
“Flori, you an embodiment of Godliness; you are the snow in my winter; you are the USP (unique selling point) of my brand; you are my masterpiece of nature. Ever since we met, you have been making high deposit of love, care and Godliness in my life’s bank account; you have been making huge deposit in my emotional bank account. I love today and I will always love you.”
Also eulogizing the celebrator, the wife of the Vice President said she had to surmount all obstacles to ensure that she graced the event, because of the exceptional personality of Mrs Ajimobi.
Mrs Osinbajo said her humility, kindness and generosity were virtues that were hard to come by these days, adding that she had shown good example of what Godliness was all about.
She said: “I’m here because of the love Mrs Ajimobi exhibits. I’m here to celebrate you because you are so full of love. It’s very rare these days to find people with attributes that are worthy of emulation. I’m here because you have shown that it is possible to be dedicated and be committed to the work of God even when you are in leadership position.
“You have shown good example. I bless God for who you are. You have brought so much joy and love to mankind and I pray that the joy and love of God will continue to abide with you.”
Thanking God for counting her worthy to celebrate her 60th birthday, Mrs Ajimobi said looking back, she believed she had so many reasons to be grateful to God for taking her thus far.
The governor’s wife, who was full of praises and thanks for her husband, said his care, love and unflinching support for her over the years had moulded her into becoming who she was today.
She said: “My dear husband, I thank God for making our path to cross. You have been a loving, kind, accommodating, generous, understanding, supportive husband, father and grandfather.
“No matter what detractors may say, you have laid a solid foundation for the modern Oyo State. Posterity will vindicate you as a man who met Oyo State in rubbles and took it to an enviable height.
“I’m very proud of you and your unforgettable achievements in the last eight years that God has given us the opportunity to preside over the affairs of Oyo State. If there is reincarnation, I will marry you over and over again.”
After the Government House event, an elaborate reception was held at the spacious Agodi Gardens.
Packaged by Ojo Peter
