Tributes, eulogies as Makinde, family, political associates remember Ajimobi five years after

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, family members, friends, and political associates, on Wednesday, gathered at the Oluyole Estate, Ibadan residence, of the late immediate past governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi,  to offer prayers and celebrate what they described as his legacies.

The gathering which cuts across party divides in the state was the fifth annual memorial fidau prayer for the first two-term governor of the state.

Ajimobi died in Lagos on June 25, 2020, after a brief illness arising from COVID 19 complications.

Present at the prayer sessions include Makinde who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal; wife of the deceased, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; , two former deputy governors, Moses Alake-Adeyemo and Rauf Olaniyan; Senators Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Fatai Buhari (Oyo North); the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Teslim Folarin and former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

The State Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Sheikh Bashir Olanrewaju Elesinmeta, in his sermon, entitled “Death is inevitable”, urged the people to be mindful of how they lead their lives, noting that what should be of paramount concern to the people is life after death.

Quoting from the Quran, Elesinmeta reminded the people of the inevitability of death, saying, “All mortals will taste death hence the need to bequeath worth legacies to incoming generations.”

Several speakers at the event paid tribute to the late governor, describing him as a transformational leader who left a lasting legacy in Oyo State.

Senator Alli said he was somebody that cannot be forgotten as people use his regime to compare several others, stating that he did so well when he was alive as he was somebody that was well-loved, and who loved the state.

His son, Idris, who is the Senior Special Assistant on Livestock Development to President Bola Tinubu, said he missed his father’s presence and guidance, noting however that he is learning to navigate life’s challenges with the lessons his father taught him.

Speaking in an interview with journalists, wife of the late former governor, Florence, said not having her husband around in the last five years makes her so vulnerable, stating that the grace of God and the lessons her husband taught her while he was alive have made her stronger and better.

She remembered her husband as a friend, mentor, and leader who was always supportive, praising his legacies, saying he was a principled and disciplined man who was forgiving and eloquent.

Despite the challenges she has faced since his passing, she said she was determined to uphold his legacy and continue his work, while thanking the Ajumose Marines for their support.

According to her, “Five years and it just seems like yesterday to me. Losing a friend, because my husband was not just my husband. He was my friend. He was my number one supporter. He was my mentor. He was my leader. And he was my cheerleader.

“So not having him around me just makes me feel so vulnerable. But honestly, I want to say thank you to the Almighty God. The one who has kept me going, the one who has sustained me, and the one who has enabled me to be able to stand on my feet.

“Life has not been the same. But I know that one day everybody has to go. He’s not the first to go, and he won’t be the last to go. It’s what we call God’s time. When it is our time, we all go. I miss him so much. I really do miss him. But I know that what he would want is for me to be strong and uphold his legacy.

“And that’s what I’m doing today, trying to keep the flag flying and holding forth on his behalf. But it has been a tough journey, been a tough five years, tough season. I have seen people in different capacities. I have seen people for who they are. But, like I always say, thank you, God.”