Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness at the demise of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The governor, in a condolence message to the Ajimobi family and the good people of Oyo State, also directed that the state’s flag fly at half mast on Friday.
The condolence message 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.”
The Oyo state Former Governor, is to be buried on Friday 26/6/2020 by 10am.
The former Oyo state Governor, died of COVID-19 complications on Thursday.
Ajimobi was born on December 16, 1949 at Oja-Iba, Ibadan. His grandfather was Sobaloju of Ibadan Land (a chief in the royal court of Ibadan). His father, Pa Ajimobi, was also a member of the House of Assembly in the Old Western region, while his uncle, Hon. N.A. Ajimobi was Minister of Works and Transport in the Western Region.
Ajimobi started his education at Saint Patricks Primary School, Oke-Padre in Ibadan and completed his primary education at Ibadan City Council Primary School, Aperin.
His secondary education was at Lagelu Grammar School. He was active in athletics, table tennis, and football including serving as the games prefect during his secondary school days. This earned him his nickname “Archipelago”.
Late Ajimobi studied Business Administration and Finance at the State University of New York, in Buffalo, New York, United States of America, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree.
He had his MBA in Operations Research and Marketing with a concentration in Finance at Governors State University, University Park, Illinois.
Ajimobi married Florence Ajimobi in 1980. The marriage had five children.
In 2003, Ajimobi became a Senator of the Republic of Nigeria. He was a principal officer in the Senate, serving as the Deputy Minority leader of the Senate. In 2007.
He contested the gubernatorial election under the umbrella of the All Nigeria Peoples Party but lost.
Ajimobi contested again in 2011 under the Action Congress of Nigeria and won.
He contested for a second term in April 11, 2015 under the All Progressive Congress for re-election against two of his predecessors in office, Christopher Alao Akala and Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
In the event of his re-election into office as the Governor, Ajimobi is the first person to occupy the seat twice and as well in succession.
On March 9, 2019, Ajimobi lost the Oyo South senatorial district seat to People’s Democratic Party Kola Balogun.
May his soul rest in peace.
