Demise : Tribute to Senator Abiola Ajimobi ! By Adegoke Oladiipo
Demise : Tribute to Senator Abiola Ajimobi !
By Adegoke Oladiipo .
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR ABIOLA AJIMOBI
FORMER GOVERNOR OF OYO STATE
( 2011-2019)
*Senator Abiola Ajimobi Was A Pragmatic Leader* “The bells tolled for Senator Abiola Ajimobi on June 25,2020. And the former governor of Oyo State answered the call that no mortal has the power to reject. In his going, we have lost a revered leader and illustrious son. If you describe Ajimobi as a pragmatic leader , you nail the word. It is the word that best describes him as a politician and as a statesman.
Throughout his political career, Ajimobi was a brilliant man who was always bristling with noble and creative ideas about how to move Oyo State forward. He chose to be a statesman rather than a selfish leader . I think that was wise. Championing selfish interests would have diminished him as a statesman. Ajimobi was pragmatic and quintessential.
With Senator Abiola Ajimobi, gentleman, intellectual and great champion of fairness and balance in public life, it is even more sad watching the rush to praise on his demise .
The rush of words of praise , plenty by those who toiled to prevent Nigeria from profiting from his leadership skills and installation of decency in public life , makes those not challenged with memory loss wonder about the essence of character in Nigeria.
Abiola lived a good, worthy and exemplary life from which younger generations can learn and imbibe the attributes of discipline, strong character, forthrightness, patience and hard work.
It was only few days thereafter that his journey to eternity began with prayers being offered by people of diverse inclinations. Senator Abiola Ajimobi will be remembered for his many contributions to humanity but as a nation. He was reputed to be the best and most productive governor Oyo State has had. The numerous infrastructural,security networks and public works projects he initiated literally changed the face of Oyo for the better.
His blueprints as a governor will be an enduring and positive one. The first governor to serve two consecutive terms in Oyo, he broke a political jinx that many said could not be broken.
Like many other patriots, Abiola Ajimobi , who served both in private and public sectors, emphasized the relevance of modern Oyo State makes good people of Oyo State to have elected him as governor for eight years. I also shall always remember and hold dear the immense contributions he made to the new Oyo State and how he worked with great commitment and sagacity to enshrine growth and development in Oyo and the nation at large.
The pain we feel at his passing is beyond what words can describe. This good and excellent man has left us but his energy, activism and commitment to Nigeria and its people shall always be with us.
Senator Ajimobi died when his wisdom and counsel are still needed by many of us and the younger generation of politicians in the country.
As we mourn the passing of this great son of Nigeria, Senator Abiola Ajimobi , just as we mourned some other great Nigerians before him, I pray that may almighty God continue to raise for the country, wise and responsible men and women of vision, honesty and integrity who will take the nation on the right path of progress and development. And may Nigerians also have the good fortune to recognize these quality persons to make good use of them while they are alive.
May his soul rest in peace…
Adegoke Oladiipo Oyeyemi ,
Media Officer To The Algon Chairman ,
Oyo State Chapter” .
