Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has described the late former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, as a formidable politician that contributed to the peace and development of the state during his lifetime.
Osinbajo spoke on Friday in Ibadan, at the first anniversary, marking the demise of the late governor.
Recall that Ajimobi was declared dead on June 25, 2020, due to complications from Coronavirus disease.
Osinbajo, represented by Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, described the late Ajimobi as “a bridge builder of uncommon wit”.
“Dolapo and I, celebrate the life of my dear late senior, the most distinguished senator, as we mark the first anniversary of his sudden and painful passage.
“One cannot remember Ajimobi without a smile, he was a formidable politician with infectious charm.
“We are grateful to have had the opportunity to know him, a man of many superlatives, great generosity, and uncommon kindness.
“He was a distinguished principal member, and we missed him dearly.
“We will continue to remember his wife and children in our prayers,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said the late governor was steadfast and unflinching “in his commitment to core Yoruba values and the defence of our leadership”.
Aregbesola said that his loyalty cost him a lot electorally and personally.
“The dark conspiracy against him was quite huge, unsparing, and unrelenting.
“Of course, he calmly weathered the storm and survived the intrigue with rare comportment and maturity.
“Death is a necessary end for mortals. As distressing, as his passage is, we are consoled by the fact that ‘egbon’ was exemplary in many ways.
“From his character of accommodation, loyalty, generosity, resilience and love to courage of conviction and full constitutional tenure of eight years as the Governor of Oyo, he towered shoulder-high above most,” the minister said.
On his part, the son of the late governor, Idris Ajimobi, attributed his success in life to the dogged guidance of his late father.
“It is gratifying when I recall the life and times of my dear father’s selfless service to humanity was not driven by ethnocentric, pecuniary and primordial motivations.
“Rather, it was a passion for humanity and collective good that informed his actions and lifestyle.
“His belief in eliciting the best of everyone who came his way was incontrovertible.
“This ethos was demonstrated everywhere he found himself, whether in family, career, religious or political circles.
“A trait that endeared him to everyone it pleased Allah to cross his path,” he said.
Among other dignitaries that joined the family in the celebration of life and times of Ajimobi were the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare; wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo and wives of the Governors of Ekiti and Ogun.
NAN
