The celebration of the 71st posthumous birthday of former governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi continued on Thursday, with a novelty match between Akorede football team and Idi-Ayunre team, in which the former triumphed by two goals to nil.
The football match was graced by family members, friends and associates of the late governor, including his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi; member, Oyo State House of Assembly, Seyi Adisa; ALGON Chairman in the state, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye; former aides, and a host of soccer legends.
Speaking, the lawmaker representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Host of the event, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, stated that the match is her little way of celebrating the late governor, who she described as a support system to her political career while alive.
In her remark, Dr. (Mrs) Ajimobi commended Akande-Sadipe for the initiative, which she said has encouraged the youths and entertained the adults in her constituency.
“Nothing is too much to celebrate His Excellency, former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who during his lifetime gave his all to the development of Oyo State, his party and family. We miss him a lot ,”she said.
Also speaking, Hon. Adisa said his former boss was fondly called Archipelago, because football was one of the things he wanted to be remembered for.
He said: “Honestly, my former boss deserves a befitting match such as this, being a football nut himself. If my memory does not fail me, he remains the only former governor in this country who played active football in his younger years. Ajimobi played for his alma-mater, Lagelu Grammar School.
“Everybody is here to witness the artistic display of soccer players, as part of activities to celebrate our legendary father and role model, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi,” he said.
The match which was held at Lead City Stadium in Ibadan started at 8 a.m.
At the end of the match, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajimobi presented a trophy and cash gift to Akorede football team, the winner of the match. The losing team, Idi-Ayunre also received a cash reward.
