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President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with government and people of Oyo State over the death of the immediate past governor of the state, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi.
A statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, said the president commiserated with the family of the former governor, “who served the country as a senator 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.”
President Buhari said he believed Ajimobi 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.
He said Ajimobi’s contributions to the development of the state and nation will always be remembered
Former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has described the death of Ajimobi as a great loss to Nigeria and Yorubaland in particular.
Oyinlola, in a message on Thursday, described Ajimobi as a complete gentleman and a patriot in every sense of the world.
He noted that Ajimobi had a very large heart in his dealings with all manner of persons who came his way while his politics was clearly without bitterness.
Oyinlola added that the late ex-governor gave a good account of himself first as senator, then later as governor leaving behind legacy programmes and projects that will forever mark him out as a very successful politician.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and for his family to have the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, has described the death of former Governor of Oyo State, Sen Abiola Ajimobi, as both untimely and tragic.
“The passing of my elder brother, Sen Abiola Ajimobi, is both untimely and tragic. He served the good people of Oyo for so long. We wanted him to use his experience to guide us through trying times. Sadly, dusk came too early and we must bid goodnight. Sun re, Aare of Ibadan!” he said.
Similarly, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with the family of former Governor of Oyo State, Sen Abiola Ajimobi.
“I just received the sad news of the passing of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor of Oyo State. At this difficult time, my prayers are with Florence, his wife; his entire family; and the people of Oyo State.”
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also expressed shock over the death of Sen. Abiola Ajimobi.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I received with shock the death of Sen. Abiola Ajimobi—the immediate past governor of Oyo State. May Allah SWT ease the burden of the loss on the family and grant him the highest place in Jannah,” Mohammed said.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has commiserated with the family of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Oyetola, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, described the former Oyo governor’s death as unfortunate, painful & a great loss. He said his thoughts and prayers are with the Ajimobi family, the All Progressives Congress 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.
“Senator Ajimobi was also a true progressive and loyal party man. He was committed to the ideals of the APC and will be sorely missed by the party,” the governor said.
Governor Oyetola prayed to Almighty Allah to overlook his shortcomings and grant him aljanah firdaus.
Former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has also expressed shock and disbelief on the death of the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Alao-Akala, who condoled with the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the entire people of the state, praised the transformation and repositioning efforts of the late governor when he was at the helm of affairs of the state for eight years.
While equally condoling with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and at the national level, he said that the late governor made his mark in the development and repositioning of the party at the state and national levels.
“Ajimobi will always say his mind in any national and state matters. He talked frankly and he joked a lot,” he said.
Specifically, he said Ajimobi made his mark in the securing the state, adding that the state and the nation had lost a political icon.
“Indeed, it is a big loss to Oyo State, APC and the entire nation. He was a courageous, hardworking, loving and God-fearing leader. Personally I will miss him for his jokes and effective service delivery’’, Alao-Akala said.
He, however, pray that God will give the family, his political associates and the people he served the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.