Gov Ajimobi: Tribute to A Leader Like No Other !! By Ex ALGON, Popoola Yekeen
Gov. Ajimobi: Tribute to A Leader Like No Other !! By Ex ALGON, Popoola Yekeen.
“Heroism of Youth Gone But Never Forgotten.
Death is inevitable, but if some of us have our ways, we would make him stay longer than it was. It has been a year since his death, but not a day goes by that I don’t think of him, miss him and remember all that we shared.
He taught me more than just the nitty-gritty of developmental politics. He taught me so much about life. He showed me how to really keep moving in the face of adversity and to never back down. Akanji ended up being my hero in life, and I am thankful that he was good enough person for me to call him that. I am also grateful for every memory we shared, family and politics related amongst others.
My only hope is that I can be as good person as him, so that I can get up to heaven, and see him again someday because I know you are up in heaven.
HEK, the larger than life Leader, I could hardly believe it when we were told that you had died. Died? How? Daddy can’t just die. Certainly not when we least expected it.
For those who know me politically, a large part of who I am today I owe to him. This tribute is simply not enough to fully document what he stood for, but a look at some aspects of my life will give you an idea of his impact.
I met him at a time when the progressive fold in the state was scattered, hopeless, and politically presumed to be relegated many of the ideologies of progressive politics at that time were already tilting toward extinction but his coming to politics in the state gave birth to a renewal of the virtually oblivion progressive elements.
I had a rare privilege to work closely with him between 2011-2017. Oh! what a wonderful personality, very cerebral, intelligent and his brilliancy was second to none, epitome of boldness, confidence and fearlessness. Besides, very meticulous, straight forward, articulate and blunt when it comes to the handling of special task of providing maximum security for the masses. In fact Oyo state and Nigeria have lost a true hero. Many wonderful memories and shared moments would forever linger to eternity.
He breathed a new life into the fold and from there the progressive family became stronger while already established progressive men and women had a sigh of relief and at the same time because he ensured the creation of a crop of a new set of progressive leaders and also facilitated the conversion of many core conservative into the progressive family.
History will remember Archipelago as a champion for protecting his subject lives and properties, unbeatable infrastructural facilities, and an unimaginable template for years designed by his administration. We will remember him as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life.
His departure represents a very sad moment of grief for me. But it also constitutes a personal loss for us because over many decades, he served both as our guide and one of our fathers. He will continue to live in my heart as legends live forever because he was the one who brought me into the limelight of politics of Oyo state. We will continue to remember you every 25th of June because of outstanding impacts and commitment.
May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace and Al-Janat Fridaus shall be his final abode. Rest on my leader and benefactor.
Hon. Popoola Yekeen
Former ALGON Chairman, Oyo State.
June 24th , 2021.”
