Ajimobi was like a father to me, says Adelabu
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Adebayo Adelabu, a former governorship aspirant in Oyo State, described the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a father figure and a "magnetized leader."
- Adelabu credited Ajimobi with fostering unity within the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) and providing mentorship that inspired his political career.
- He urged party members to unite for the 2027 elections, emphasizing Ajimobi's legacy of progress and order.
Adebayo Adelabu, a prominent figure in Oyo State politics and a former governorship aspirant, fondly remembered the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, likening their personal relationship to that of a son and father. Adelabu described Ajimobi as a "magnetized leader who provided clear direction and mentorship."
My personal relationship with the late former governor was that of a son to a father.
Adelabu shared these sentiments on Thursday during the sixth-year Fidau prayer for the late governor, held at his residence in Ibadan. He emphasized that under Ajimobi's leadership, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was cohesive and free from the fragmentation currently plaguing the party. Adelabu stated that Ajimobi's political style and governance approach were instrumental in drawing him into politics.
Recalling Ajimobi's tenure, Adelabu praised his administrative capabilities, particularly in addressing security, infrastructure, and education. He highlighted the robust security architecture established during Ajimobi's time as governor, noting his proactive stance against crime. "Ajimobiโs body language was that Oyo should be crime-free, and he achieved it," Adelabu asserted, adding that a governor must confront crime directly.
He was a magnetized leader who provided clear direction and mentorship.
Adelabu urged party faithful to prioritize collective goals over individual ambitions, embrace reconciliation, and work towards unseating the current Peoples Democratic Party government in 2027. Similarly, former Secretary to the State Government, Olalekan Ali, called for a unified commitment to reforming and repositioning the APC, appealing to members to emulate Ajimobi's legacy of progress, discipline, and order.
Ajimobiโs body language was that Oyo should be crime-free, and he achieved it.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.