By Adeyinka Adeniran
Dignitaries from all walks of life on Tuesday stormed the Oluyole, Ibadan residence of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for the fourth year annual memorial fidau prayer.
This is a a renowned Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, called on all political associates and party members of the late Ajimobi to be united and be together in honor of the former governor
Corenews reports that the Oyo State first two-term governor died on June 25, 2020 at the age of 70 amidst the corona virus pandemic.
In his brief sermon at the event, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, charged the political class to be mindful of their actions, especially years after leaving office, noting that the people were gathered at he event on account of what late Ajimobi did while in office.
He further charged the people to live a life that will speak better things about them
He also seized the opportunity to call for unity among the political family of the Ajimobi’s and the party, noting that without unity, they may not be able to carry on the late Ajimobi legacies.
He further called on the Oyo state APC 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin to retrace his steps and be the rallying point for other members of the party.
According to the Cleric, the former House leader needs to changed some wrong notions some people are having about him while also seeking way forward for the state.
He said “Ajimobi was not then only governor that ever served Oyo state, but look at his people still gathered to honor and remember him. We all will become history someday. Nothing goes forever
“Politicians don’t need much but you are never satisfied with what you have. You politicians, be satisfied with little. You don’t have fear of God. You ate with Ajimobi yet you fought him and you still think you are angry with him even in death.
“This is about Ajimobi that we are seeing his end, they will also see tour ends too. Let’s us work for the posterity and how our future would look like.
“God asked us to fear him and that he will repay us for all what we do on earth. Let’s stand firm and upright in all our doings.
“As you are all seated here as politicians, love each other. Be one. Let there be oneness among you all. Ajimobi died, he left people behind and what have you done that you will be remembered for when you are gone? Be one united body as a political family and party. Don’t fight and envy each other. Always speak your mind truthfully to each other.
“People are not happy with the way all of you are behaving and relating. Come together, be strong and united in honor of Ajimobi. He lived a life that unites people, yet you people are not united after his death.”
Highpoint of the event was a prayer session and presentation of N200,000 grants to 25 indigent Oyo state student in various tertiary institutions in the country.
The presentation made by the wife was done through the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) in the presence of guests, family members, political associates, party chieftains who gathered to honor the first two term governor of Oyo State.
She said the grant, the first of its kind, is part of effort to commemorate the fourth year fidau Anniversary of a former governor.
Speaking before the presentation, President, SAAF who is also the wife of the late former governor, Dr Florence Ajimobi said since the unexpected transition of their breadwinner, the family have taken steps to continue to preserve the memory and legacies of the former governor.
She recounted that part of the efrort was the establishment of a Foundation, the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) adding that since the Foundation’s inception, it had gone into collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, organizing the Annual Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, thus further institutionalising the Roundtable and preserving the legacies of good governance he espoused.
Some of the dignitaries who are in attendance include: wife of the deceased, Dr Florence Ajimobi, a younger brother of the deceased, Wasiu Ajimobi, former Deputy Governor Alake Adeyemo, a former deputy governor to Governor Seyi Makinde, Rauf Olaniyan, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), Zacheus Adelabu, Oyo 2023 APC governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, the three serving Senators Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Fatai Buhari (Oyo North), Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) and a former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Olalekan Alli.
Others were: former Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare, former NCC board Chairman, Professor Adeolu Akande, former Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, Akeem Agbaje, Ex- Health Commissioner, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, Ex- ALGON Oyo Chairmen, Prince Abass Aleshinloye, Yekeen Popoola, Kolapo Kola Daisi, Bisoye Fagade, Seyi Adisa, Kehinde Subair, Azeez Bolaji, Olayemi Ariba, Olatunji Olawale.
The list also include, party chieftains, traditional rulers, former political appointees, former aides, family, friends, political associates, religious leaders, among others.
