A trailer allegedly belonging to a quarry company, located at Olohunde Ige Village along the Ijebu-Ode Road, Idi-Ayunre area, Oluyole Local Government at the weekend lost control, crushing three people and leaving one dead on the spot.
It was gathered that the life threatening injury suffered led to the death of one other victim after medical efforts proved abortive at the hospital.
The limb of the third victim has also been amputated in a desperate move to save her life.
The incident marks the second fatal crash involving the same company within three months, prompting outrage and grief in Oluyole council area with youths mounting barricade at the scene of the accident yesterday.
The Chairman of the Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji was also at the scene to calm the angry youths, assuring that the government would leave no stone unturned to bring the driver to book while also ensuring that the affected company properly compensate families of the victims in order to reduce the pain and trauma they have been subjected to as a result of the incident.
Addressing the youths, he said, most private companies in the council area have failed in the area of carrying out their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) especially by creating collaboration targeted at alleviating the suffering and socio-economic challenges of their host communities.
The Nation reports that just a few months ago, a Kulum Quarry truck caused a similar accident that claimed the lives of three students of Prospect High School, Aba Nla.
In the wake of that tragedy, the council chairman, had ordered the construction of speed breakers on the affected route to forestall future occurrences.
However, Saturday’s crash shows that the warnings and precautions have done little to change or curb the recklessness of the company’s drivers.
Olatunji expressed deep sorrow and described the deaths as both painful and avoidable.
He condoled with the bereaved families and the Idi-Ayunre community.
“This is another avoidable tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. No one should lose their loved ones in such a cruel manner, especially when it could have been prevented,” he said.
Leaders and stakeholders in Ibadanland have raised an alarm over the growing infiltration of bandits and terrorists into the Southwest region, calling on state governors, the Federal Government, and security agencies to take urgent action to protect the region.
The call was made in a joint statement issued by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade.
The statement was also supported by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), monarchs, Baales, and other community leaders.
The stakeholders described the recent killing of Yoruba people and others in parts of Kwara State as a warning sign that the Southwest could be slipping under siege. They lamented the resurgence of violent attacks in some areas, stressing that the development should concern all levels of government.
They urged governors of the six Southwest states, alongside federal authorities and security agencies, to act swiftly before the situation deteriorates further.
“If bandits can kill Yoruba people in parts of Kwara State, it shows that the entire Yorubaland is under threat,” the statement read. “We call on all our Kabiyesis, traditional chiefs, Mogajis, Baales, market men and women, and political stakeholders — including lawmakers and governors across the Southwest — to take proactive steps to curb rising criminality.”
The statement further emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and proactive security measures. It warned that due to Ibadan’s vast land area and proximity to Kwara State, bandits fleeing from security operations could easily take cover within its forests and villages.
“Government must ensure that Ibadan, Oyo State, and the entire Southwest are well protected. People in the region must not remain silent but raise the alarm to prevent infiltration,” it added.
The leaders also called on traditional institutions to strengthen internal security networks to identify and expose criminal elements.
“As part of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives, we have been working discreetly with organized security agencies through intelligence gathering. Security strategies are better not discussed openly, but we have continued to discharge our duties effectively to safeguard Ibadanland,” the statement concluded.
The presence of heavy security was observed on Saturday across major roads and strategic locations within the Ibadan North Federal Constituency to ensure a peaceful by-election.
The security agencies observed comprise the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Army.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the by-election is due to the death of Hon. Olajide Akinremi, a member of the House of Assembly, which occurred on July 10, 2024.
NAN reports that law enforcement officers had been in areas such as Adamasingba, Agodi-Gate axis, University of Ibadan junction, and Mokola, among others, as early as 7.00 a.m.
Other areas duly manned by security agents include Mokola, Sango–UI Road, Housing Corporation, Bodija, as well as the Secretariat, and Bodija Market–UI Road.
The security agents allowed movement for only those with businesses related to the election, while others were turned back.
Voters were also seen moving in an orderly manner to their respective polling units under the watchful eyes of security agents.
I live in Ibadan and the Redemption City and sometimes for weeks, I stay away from Ibadan because of unavailability of electricity in my area sometimes for weeks, and to God be the glory for the spiritual and physical light available to us in the Redemption City by the grace of God and the leadership of Pastor Adejare Adeboye. Yet my area is supposed to be in a low density area not far from Bodija, the first planned town in Nigeria after independence. The hellish heat these days makes life almost unbearable for people particularly elderly people. This is despite having a generator which does not really solve the problem because of the astronomical cost of fuel whether petrol or diesel. I have not yet tried the solar option which is what some of my colleagues have adopted. Perhaps I will try solar devices when I am able to afford the cost.
I know my readers will probably say look at this old man talking about solar options when people are not able to afford the cost of food necessary for survival. I plead guilty and I agree I bear, alongside people of my generation, vicarious responsibility for the way the country has been run down all these years but in our old age, we deserve some comfort for some of our positive contributions in the past. I can mention a thousand things and many risks taken by some of us to advance the national interest.
Some of our young people may say that writing about the new looks of Ibadan is not worth celebrating because they should be regarded as ordinary events because they take place in all countries including African countries. Road construction and channelization should be regarded as routine. But when they are not routine in our clime, it is worth celebrating.
This preamble is necessary for me to be able to put in context the recent efforts of the Oyo State government because I have had reasons to be critical of the government before and it is just fair to applaud the government when it is doing well.
A visit to Ibadan today will confirm the fact that Governor Seyi Makinde is in name and indeed, the executive governor of Oyo State. I sometimes laugh when a sitting governor is introduced as the executive governor of his state which I always dismiss as error of tautology but in the case in hand, the governor is really the executive governor just as any performing governor deserves the heavy duty description as “ executive governor “
Entering Ibadan from Lagos through Alhaji Arisekola road and driving towards Molete, one is confronted with digging of gutters at the intersection of Felele and Molete where for years there had been some kind of spring that floods the road perennially in wet and dry seasons. This is the section connecting the road to late Lamidi Adesina’s house at Felele which he refused or could not fix while he was governor of Oyo State. It seems the government is determined to fix it once and for all. From this point to Saint Anne’s school, heavy drainage equipment is at work digging deep gutters on both sides of the road. I pray this will be extended to all parts of the state capital and to all major towns like Ogbomosho and Oyo. Any government that can do this kind of work deserves to be commended.
While on this road project, may I appeal to the Oyo State government to extend its revolutionary approach to road construction to the road linking Molete with Ibadan Grammar School and Saint Luke’s College going on to Saint David Cathedral in Kudeti. This road for historical reasons deserves to be fixed as a symbol of CMS contribution to the education and development of Ibadan. Government should look into the possibility of combined redevelopments of Saint Luke College and Ibadan Grammar School as a comprehensive technical college for training young people for the future industrial development of Oyo State.
The importance of street lights in Ibadan should be highlighted. There is need for Ibadan to have a night economy. It’s wasteful for a huge city like Ibadan to go to bed at seven O clock because that’s when the sunlight goes out. Government can double the economy of the city by lighting up the city if government can provide electricity outside the present electricity generation mechanism.
There is also need for strict enforcement of traffic lights in the city. Government should also consider tolling of some of the roads so that money will always be available for their maintenance. This is also the time to begin to plan the planting of trees and turning all our roads into avenues. This was the case with all major roads in Ibadan and in such places like Kano, and Maiduguri until some military governors decided to cut down the huge neem trees under the guise of beautification with streets lights! How could any sane person have done this in the Sahel towns of Kano and Maiduguri!
Yes it was done while we all looked on in silent awe! We have to bring back the neem trees. Incidentally the leaves of the neem trees were potent cure for malaria when boiled and squeezed into juice. The government of Engineer Makinde should embark on proper and simple street numbering of Ibadan away from its present antediluvian confusing numbering.
Let’s make Ibadan great again. I remember when we were young during the golden days of the old Western Region, Ibadan did not accept inferior status to Lagos the federal capital and those of us still in school basked in the glory of Ibadan. Ibadan has remained the capital city of Yoruba land with millions making the city their homes even if they had homes in their villages in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos and even Kwara and Kogi states because of their ethnic consanguinity with Oyo State people.
There were of course people from all over Nigeria because of the presence of an institution like the University of Ibadan and the historical connection of the people from the present Edo, Delta and Bayelsa with the city of Ibadan from where they were administered. Those were the days and thinking of those days makes old people like us wonder if the creation of states was really worth the effort and the excitement that went into the splitting of Nigerian humanity into the present puny states only useful to the looters who have benefited from the division which, looking backward, amount to destruction of what could have been important blocks of national unity.
I am one of those who hail the setting up of the various regional commissions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is bringing back the old regional zones for development. I hope this is the beginning of zonal divisions of the country away from the present puny state divisions which makes for broad planning as we used to have during the regionalisation of politics and economic planning in Nigeria. I personally feel that the present atomisation of political divisions and economic resources makes it possible for over concentration of power at the centre. This is what those advocating going back to pristine federalism or to put it mildly fiscal federalism.
Candidates jostling for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat of House of Representatives on Wednesday signed a peace deal for peaceful conduct before, during and after the August 16, election.
The event, hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo state had in attendance the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Adeniran Rahmon Tella who led top management staff of the Commission, the Oyo, Commissioner of Police, Oyo Cmmand, CP Femi Haruna who led other security Commanders, religious leaders, party leaders among other held at the INEC State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The REC said, although seven political parties conducted primaries that were monitored by the Commission, only five parties made the final list as published by the electoral umpire.
The contestants for the Bye-election, who attended and signed the Peace Accord include: Akin-Alamu Dexter Femi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olatunji Haastrup Adewale of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Oyekunle Fola of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hammed Badmus of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
He added that, the essence of Peace Accord is to foster a conductive environment for voters to exercise their rights, ultimately contributing to the legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process.
Dr Tella said, “In line with the timetable, party primaries have been conducted and 7 political parties were monitored by the Commission. Five politicai parties made the final list published by the Commission.
“The parties and candidates that scaled through and that will be contesting in this upcom Bye-Election on Saturday are as follows: Hon. Akin Alamu Dexter Femi of African Democ Congress (ADC), Hon. Olatunji Haastrup Adewale of All Progressive Congress (APC). Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Oyekunle Fola S of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. Hammed Badmus of Zenith Labour Party respectively.
“The essence of which is to foster a conductive environment for voters to exercise their rights, ultimately contributing to the legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process.
“The Commission had constant engagements with the members of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with the Commissioner of Police as the lead Security Agency in this regard. Assurances have been made to ensure safety, protection of lives and property of the electorate before during and after the conduct of the coming election.”
He appealed to all stakehders to adhere to the principles outlined in the Peace Accord saying, “Let us work together to create an environment that allows voters to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.
“INEC is committed to conducting a credible election and we appreciate your cooperation in this regard. I encourage all flag-bearers and their supporters to maintain a high level of decorum and sportsmanship throughout the campaign period which incidentally comes to an end tomorrow, the 14th August 2025 accordingly.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police and other members of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Media and all relevant stakeholders in the electioneering process for their support in promoting peace and stability in the State.”
In the separate remarks in an aside interview shortly after the signing, the candidates of the parties assures strict compliance withe the accord, urging INEC to remain impartial in the conduct of the election.
The descendants of Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode in Ita Baale, Ibadan, have expressed confidence that the city will experience greater development, peace, and tranquility during the reign of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode, an Owu native, was the seventh traditional ruler of Ibadan, reigning between 1851 and 1864.
Historical records said that he was the one who introduced the Otun Olubadan line into the city’s chieftaincy structure.
In a statement signed by Chief Tesleem Abiodun Olugbode, Mogaji of the Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode family and released to journalists on Tuesday, the clan congratulated Ladoja on his nomination as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing his wealth of political experience and business acumen as assets that will bring progress to the ancient city.
The Otun Olubadan and former Oyo State governor was chosen by the Olubadan-in-Council to succeed the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away last month.
The family, speaking on behalf of all Olugbode and Owu descendants in Ibadan, expressed optimism that Ladoja’s leadership will usher in a new era of development for Ibadanland.
“On behalf of the entire Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode and other Owu descendants both at home and in the Diaspora in Ibadan, I am using this medium to congratulate the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja on his nomination as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Our projenitor, Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode was the 7th Baale of Ibadan and reigned for thirteen (13) years, between 1851-1864. Baale Oyesile Olugbode was the one who introduced the Otun Olubadan line to Ibadan traditional system.
“As we know, all Ibadan indigenes hailed from one place or the other, Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode hailed from Owu. We have many families that are also from Owu in Ibadan and all of them are under Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode family. I am greeting Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja on behalf of all descendants of Olugbode and other Owu descendants in Ibadanland.
“The Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode family and other Owu descendants are happy today that Oba Ladoja has been nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan-in-Council. We have the conviction that his reign will witness more developmental projects, peace and tranquility.
“He is experienced, he has served as Senator, Governor and has served in different capacities at different times. As a former governor and business tycoon, we have the belief that he is capable to ensure that Ibadan wears a new look.
“We want to use this medium to appeal to all indigenes and residents of Ibadanland to give him the necessary support”.
In its effort to make quality healthcare accessible globally, especially in underserved communities, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched an ophthalmic outreach in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city.
The outreach, another humanitarian step by the Saudi government to bring its “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer programme, is powered by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS Relief) and will run from August 1st – 7th, 2025.
Holding at the Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Elebu, Ibadan, the organisers said the outreach reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting global health initiatives and promoting volunteer work.
According to the Saudi Press Attache in Nigeria, Mohammed Alsahabi, residents of Ibadan and surrounding areas will benefit from a range of free high-impact eye care services, including advanced diagnostic screenings, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens (IOL) implants, treatment of refractive errors and distribution of prescriptive eyeglasses.
Alsahabi noted that the outreach is implemented under the directives of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He said, “This Ibadan phase marks another major milestone in KSrelief’s mission to combat avoidable blindness in Nigeria.
“Since its introduction in 2019, the blindness prevention initiative has delivered over 218,000 eye exams, enabled more than 21,000 sight-restoring surgeries, and distributed over 45,000 eyeglasses.
“Previous interventions have taken place in Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, and Lagos, impacting thousands of lives.
“Globally, KSrelief has implemented over 3,612 relief projects in more than 108 countries since its establishment in 2015. Its blindness prevention programmes are active in countries like Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Mauritania, aligned with international commitments.
“Saudi Arabia’s move to bring the ‘Saudi Noor’ initiative to Ibadan deepens its longstanding ties with Nigeria and reaffirms its commitment to human dignity, access to quality healthcare, and the elimination of preventable blindness”, Alsahabi concluded.
Speaking to newsmen, one of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Tajudeen Adebayo, expressed gratitude to the Saudi Government for the initiative and urged everyone, whether Christian or Muslim, who is battling with one eye problem or the other, to come around, as there is no discrimination on religious grounds.
Another beneficiary, Kasali Mariam, who said she has been checked and is waiting for treatment, lauded the free eye care outreach by the Saudi Government and hoped that her eye issue would be dealt with once and for all.
A wave of anticipation is sweeping through the city of Ibadan and it’s impossible to miss.
From vibrant blue billboards announcing Heart Enlargement Speciale to uplifting sounds on the airwaves, a spiritual awakening is brewing—and all signs point to August 1 and 2 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Heart Enlargement Speciale, now in its ninth year, is not just another religious event—it’s a full-blown spiritual movement that has transformed lives across nations.
What began in 2016 as a city-wide conference has grown into a global gathering, drawing attendees from as far as the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Austria, and beyond.
Founded and hosted by Pastor Tara Akinkuade, the visionary leader and Senior Pastor of The Standing Church International, Heart Enlargement Speciale was birthed out of a divine encounter and inspired by 1 Kings 4:29: “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart…” The mandate? To usher people into a supernatural experience of transformation, breakthrough, and radical life change through the enlargement of their hearts.
“Heart Enlargement Speciale is not just a meeting. It is a divine appointment—a space where men and women collide with the realities of God,” said Pastor Akinkuade, speaking on the vision behind the annual gathering.
“Every year, we’ve watched God do the impossible. From miraculous healings to financial turnarounds, it’s evident that this is God’s idea, not man’s.”
The testimonies from previous editions defy logic: the blind receiving sight, dead bodies brought back to life, debt-ridden individuals walking away with business ideas now worth millions, and students with limited academic qualifications receiving fully funded PhD scholarships abroad. It’s no surprise that people now describe the conference as the place where miracles find expression.
The 2025 edition promises to be the most explosive yet. With over two dozen billboards lighting up the city and a media campaign flooding airwaves and social media, all roads are leading to Ibadan for an encounter like no other.
This year’s event, themed:“Divine Enlargement, Global Influence”, will feature a blend of prophetic worship, fiery teachings, and intense impartations. While exact details are under wraps, organizers hint at prophetic revelations that will shift lives permanently.
“Ibadan is not just hosting an event; it is hosting a movement,” Pastor Tara added.
“I believe this year, God will mark destinies in a way the city—and indeed, the world—has never seen before.”
For past attendees, the impact is hard to put into words, but unmistakably real. One of them, Cynthia Okafor, shared:
“I came in broken, unsure of my future, and left with clarity, power, and encounters that shifted my life forever. Heart Enlargement Speciale is not just a conference—it’s a life-altering experience. I’ve never missed an edition since.”
Heart Enlargement Speciale 2025 is free to attend, but registration is required.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Seun Adelore, has resigned from his position and withdrawn his membership from the party, citing imposition and a breakdown of internal democracy.
Adelore, a known ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, tendered his resignation in a letter where he condemned what he described as “deep-seated injustice within the party, lack of reward for loyalty, and a growing departure from democratic principles.”
He alleged that the PDP in Oyo State is increasingly being run like a private business by select factions, sidelining genuine party members and their interests.
The Nation gathered that his resignation is linked to the alleged imposition of Folajimi Oyekunle, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, as the PDP consensus candidate for the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.
This decision reportedly followed a closed-door meeting between the governor and other aspirants, who eventually stepped down in support of Oyekunle.
The bye-election was necessitated by the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi, a two-term member of the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC), who died on July 10, 2024, in Abuja at the age of 51.
Adelore said his decision was reached after extensive consultations with his political supporters and was driven by a commitment to democratic ideals and personal integrity.
“The PDP in this state is increasingly being run like a private enterprise by select factions, undermining the collective spirit and transparency that should define party politics.
He also decried “vindictiveness, high-handedness, and a disregard for human dignity” within the current administration.
The former Waste Management Board Chairman lamented the erosion of core values and the growing culture of intolerance and imposition within the system.
His resignation letter reads in part, “I write to formally tender my resignation as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ibadan North Local Government, effective July 7, 2025. I also hereby withdraw my membership from the party.
“This decision was not made lightly. After deep personal reflection and wide consultation with my supporters, I have chosen to step aside in order to preserve my integrity and honour. Despite my significant contributions to the party since 2018 alongside other loyal members, which contributed to the success of the current administration, I have watched with deep concern as values have deteriorated within the party.
“Vindictiveness, authoritarian tendencies, and a lack of respect for human dignity have unfortunately become pervasive. As Niccolò Machiavelli observed, despots often mask cruelty with gestures of charity, while trampling those who helped bring them to power. This pattern has become evident in the state, where loyalty is often punished rather than appreciated.
“Over the past two years, I have witnessed a growing trend of imposition, intimidation, and disregard for democratic processes—practices that conflict with the foundational principles of the PDP. I can no longer lend my name and reputation to such contradictions.
“I am deeply grateful to my supporters, whose unwavering belief in my leadership has been humbling. It has been an honour to serve the party and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state. I remain firmly committed to the ideals of true democracy and the genuine development of our state, not superficial accomplishments promoted by surrogates.”
Effort to get reaction from the state party Secretariat of PDP proved abortive, while the state party Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, could not be reached for comments.
Friends, family members, and political associates on Wednesday gathered at the Oluyole residence of late former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, to offer prayers and celebrate what they described as his enduring legacies.
The event, which cut across political party lines, marked the fifth annual memorial fidau prayer for Ajimobi, the first governor to serve two consecutive terms in the state.
Among the dignitaries present were the deceased’s widow, Dr. Florence Ajimobi; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Ajimobi’s former deputy, Moses Alake-Adeyemo; former deputy to Governor Seyi Makinde, Rauf Olaniyan; Senators Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) and Fatai Buhari (Oyo North); APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin; and former Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun.
Others included APC chieftains, political allies, former cabinet members known as the Ajumose Marines, and several political appointees.
In an emotional tribute, Dr. Florence Ajimobi described the past five years without her husband as deeply challenging, but said the grace of God and the lessons he instilled in her had kept her strong and focused.
She eulogised her late husband as a devoted friend, mentor, and leader — principled, disciplined, eloquent, and forgiving. She pledged to continue upholding his legacy and expressed gratitude to the Ajumose Marines for their unwavering support.
Calling for unity within the Oyo APC, she urged politicians to embrace forgiveness and collaboration, adding that her late husband taught her that politics is about managing people and relationships.
She said, “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.”
Several speakers paid tribute to the late governor Ajimobi, describing him as a transformational leader who left a lasting legacy in Oyo State.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) in his tribute described Ajimobi as a well-loved leader who left a lasting impact on the state, saying, “We all know that he’s somebody that cannot be forgotten. He left a legacy. And like one of the clerics said, when you go out, people use his regime to compare several others.
“That’s to show that he did so well when he was alive. He was somebody that was well-loved, and somebody who loves the state.”
A former Commissioner of Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan praised Ajimobi’s leadership, saying he was the best governor Oyo State ever had, and that his contributions to the state’s development were unparalleled.
Also speaking, a former Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Farouk Arisekola, remembered Ajimobi as a legend who mentored many youths and transformed the state. He praised Ajimobi’s leadership style, saying he was a true Ibadan man who was never shy about expressing his opinions.
Ajimobi son, Idris, who is serving as a Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Livestock Development, also paid tribute, saying he missed his father’s presence and guidance, but was learning to navigate life’s challenges with the lessons his father taught him.
In his short sermon entitled: “Death is inevitable”, the State Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Islam, Sheikh Bashir Olanrewaju Elesinmeta 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 Koran, 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.”
