Adelabu describes Ajimobi as a paternal figure in his life

Adebayo Adelabu, a former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State for the 2027 election, described his personal relationship with the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi as that of a son to a father, characterizing him as a leader who provided clear direction and mentorship.

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Adelabu made this statement during an interview on the sidelines of the sixth-year Fidau prayer held for the late former governor at his private residence in Oluyole Estate, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of the state, where he noted that Ajimobi's influence drew him into politics.

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Under Ajimobi's leadership, Adelabu explained, the Oyo State chapter of the APC was united and rock-solid, unlike its current fragmented state, and he credited Ajimobi's style of governance and politics for inspiring him to join the political arena.

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Ajimobi passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at the age of 70, due to multiple organ failure caused by complications from COVID-19, and was laid to rest at his Oluyole Estate residence in Ibadan.

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Adelabu praised the late governor as a well-prepared administrator who tackled issues head-on, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure, and education, and he specifically commended the robust security architecture established by Ajimobi during his tenure.

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As the former Chairman of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Adelabu recalled that Ajimobi's commitment to a crime-free Oyo State was evident in his body language and actions, and he urged party faithful to prioritize reconciliation and look beyond individual aspirations to unseat the current Peoples Democratic Party government in 2027.

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Olalekan Ali, the former Secretary to the State Government, appealed for a collective commitment to reforming and repositioning the party, and he urged residents and APC members to focus on rebuilding Oyo by emulating Ajimobi's legacy of progress, discipline, and order.

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Ali called on all aggrieved factions to put aside their differences, embrace compromise, and recognize that no individual can override the hand of God in determining political outcomes, stressing the need for patience and unity in resolving the party's current challenges.

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He made a passionate appeal to all interest groups within the party to prioritize the collective interest and future of the state over personal ambitions, and to work together as members of the same family to address the party's internal crises.

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Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North in the National Assembly, described Ajimobi as a principled and strong leader who never hesitated to speak the truth, and he acknowledged that the party is currently grappling with deep-seated internal crises.

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Buhari, who credited Ajimobi with shaping his political journey, stressed that resolving the party's challenges requires genuine courage and absolute sincerity from everyone involved, and he noted that even a single hour in politics can completely alter political dynamics.

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Mudathir Bada, the Chief Imam of Oluyole Estate Extension, noted in his sermon that the gathering was a reminder for everyone to have the fear of God in their hearts, and he emphasized that a life lived with the fear of God is a more meaningful and purposeful one.

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The event, which was attended by family members, political associates, friends, and political office holders from across the country, served as a celebration of God's gift in the life of the late former governor and a call to reflection and unity among the attendees.