By Augustine Akhilomen

Condolence messages have begun pouring in for the late Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who died on Thursday after testing positive to Covid-19.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina condoled with the government and people of Oyo State, saying that Ajimobi’s contributions to the development of the state, and nation, will always be remembered.

The President said the former governor, who served the country as a Senator, 2003, before winning the governorship election in 2011, remained steadfast and consistent in his progressive views, and working assiduously for the creation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“As the party chieftain bows out, President Buhari believes he left the world at a crucial moment when the party and the country needed his counsels to heal, and grow, noting that his absence will be sorely felt by all associates, particularly in the APC.

“The President prays that the Almighty God will comfort the family of the former governor, and grant him a peaceful rest,” the President said.

I Lost A Dedicated Brother and Ally- Tinubu

In his tribute to Ajimobi, National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the deceased as one of the leading lights of the party.7

He described his death as a sore loss to the Yoruba race and Oyo State adding that he had lost a dedicated friend, brother and ally.

“The pain we feel at his passing is beyond what words can describe. This good and excellent man has left us but his energy, activism and commitment to Nigeria and its people shall always be with us.

“He was reputed to be the best and most productive governor Oyo State has had. In this assessment, I concur as do so many others. The numerous infrastructural and public works projects he initiated literally changed the face of Oyo for the better.

“His legacy as a governor will be an enduring and positive one. The first governor to serve two consecutive terms in Oyo, he broke a political jinx that many said could not be broken,” Tinubu said.

He Was a Political Stabilizer- Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Ajimobi’s death as a great loss to his family, the people of the Oyo State and the country as a whole.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Ajimobi’s shocking demise, after all efforts by medical professionals to stabilize him, when he took ill, has opened a deep sore in the hearts of millions of Nigerians, who looked up to him as a rallying point and a political stabilizer.

He said: “the passage of Senator Ajimobi hurt me. My heart was filled with grief when I was informed that I had lost another political icon our battle against the coronavirus.”

Flags Fly At Half Mast In Oyo State Friday- Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde also mourned his predecessor-in-office, saying he could not begin to imagine the pain the family must be going through at this time because of the loss of their patriarch.

In a condolence message to the Ajimobi family and the people of Oyo, Makinde directed that the state’s flag fly at half mast on Friday.

“I was so sorry to hear the news of the passing away of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, which sad event took place earlier today,” he said.

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa took to twitter handle to commiserate with the Ajimobi family on the sad loss.

“I just received the sad news of the passing of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor of Oyo State. At this difficult time, my prayers are with Florence, his wife; his entire family; and the people of Oyo State,” Okowa said.

Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, who fortunately survived Covid-19 tweeted, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I received with shock the death of Sen. Abiola Ajimobi—the immediate past governor of Oyo State. May Allah SWT ease the burden of the loss on the family and grant him the highest place in Jannah.”

A Personal Loss To Me- Ambode

Former Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode also expressed sadness over the death of Ajimobi.

Ambode, in a statement signed by his media aide, Habib Aruna, described Ajimobi’s demise as a personal loss, saying that the former governor meant more than a brother and a colleague to him.

“I received the news of Ajimobi’s demise with a heavy heart. This is a great loss to me. I can easily recall so many fond memories we shared when we were Governors of our respective States. We were very close during the period and I saw him as an elder brother always.

“He was always full of wisdom, very witty, always willing to provide his honest opinion on issues. His political sagacity was one I admired from afar and I am glad to have shared many memorable moments with him,” he said.

Ambode said Ajimobi’s eight years as Governor was remarkable, saying that his strides across the length and breadth of Oyo State will never be forgotten in a hurry.

“Ajimobi was very passionate about his state, the Yoruba agenda and the Nigerian project. He was a progressive party man to the core and Oyo citizens will testify to the fact that he left the State better than he met it,” he said.

He Stood For The Welfare Of His People – Lagos APC

Lagos State Chapter of the APC in a statement by its Spokesman, Seye Oladejo also commiserated with the entire leadership and members of the party, particularly the Oyo state chapter on the loss of the party chieftain.

The statement read, “Sen. Ajimobi left in indelible marks in the private sector as a Chief Executive and served his people meritoriously as a senator and two-term governor.

“Senator Ajimobi was well known for his eloquence, passion about the welfare of his people and a principled position to democratic ideals.

Likewise, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also mourned the late governor.

“PDP Saddened, Mourns Ajimobi…Says His Death is An Irreparable National Loss. The NWC of the @OfficialPDPNig behalf of the NEC & the PDP family, mourns the death of former Governor of Oyo state & immediate past acting National Chairman of the @OfficialAPCNg Sen Abiola Ajimobi,” the party tweeted via its official handle.

Former Senator, Ben Bruce wrote, “The death for former governor Abiola Ajimobi saddens me. A good friend and leader. He will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace.”

Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani simply wrote, “Ex Governor Ajimobi;Inna lillahi wainna illayhir rajiun. May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi. Ameen.”