Adelabu Pays Tribute to Ajimobi, Calls for APC Unity in Oyo
Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has described the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a father figure whose mentorship shaped his political career. Speaking on Thursday during the sixth-year Fidau prayer held at Ajimobi’s residence in Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, Adelabu said he joined politics because he admired the late governor’s style of leadership and governance. According to him, Ajimobi built a united and disciplined APC in Oyo State, unlike the internal divisions currently affecting the party. Reflecting on Ajimobi’s administration, Adelabu praised the former governor’s approach to governance, particularly in security, infrastructure and education. Recalling his time as Chairman of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, he said Ajimobi confronted insecurity with determination and established a strong security framework across the state.
Adelabu urged APC members to put aside personal ambitions, embrace reconciliation and work together to reclaim power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 governorship election. Ajimobi, who governed Oyo State from 2011 to 2019, died on June 25, 2020, at the age of 70 after complications arising from COVID-19 and was buried at his Ibadan residence. Also speaking at the event, former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Olalekan Ali, appealed to party members to unite and rebuild the APC by upholding Ajimobi’s values of discipline, order and good governance. He urged aggrieved factions to resolve their differences in the interest of the party and the state. Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who represents Oyo North, described the late governor as a principled and courageous leader who always spoke his mind. While acknowledging Ajimobi’s influence on his political career, he admitted that the party is facing internal challenges and called for sincerity and courage in resolving them. In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Oluyole Estate Extension, Mudathir Bada, urged Nigerians to live with the fear of God, saying a life guided by faith and obedience to God remains the foundation of purposeful living. The memorial prayer was attended by members of Ajimobi’s family, political associates, friends and public office holders who gathered to honour the late former governor’s legacy.
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