The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle, ànd former President Goodluck Jonathan have commiserated with the family of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who died in Lagos on June 25, 2020 after his unsuccessful battle for some weeks with COVID-19 infection.
Spokesman to Ayokunle, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, said he also commiserated with the incumbent governor of Oyo State, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, and the entire people of Oyo State over this irreplaceable loss.
Said CAN President: “We could recollect that the late Governor Ajimobi transformed the landscape of Oyo State in his eight years of leadership of the state, especially in the area of road construction in some cities of the state. He would equally be remembered for allowing religious bodies to peacefully co-exist in the state. Though a Muslim, he gave the Christian body in the state the opportunity of contributing to the progress of Oyo State, most especially by permitting the Christian women in the state to organise regular prayers in the state and allowing it to be covered live by both the Radio and Television arms of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo, (BCOS).
“Additionally, he did not only allow Christmas Carols to be organised by the state every year and covered live, he equally attended himself. He thus made the event an opportunity to be in touch in large number, with the Christian community of the State. Though he was not an angel just like all of us, he did his best for the people of Oyo State, ensuring that peace reigned throughout his two terms tenure.
“The world is a stage where God gives each of us the platform to do our best and then leave the stage. Our prayer is that each of us would do our best to serve our generation according to the will of God before we are called home.
“Once again, we pray for the family of the late governor, the government and people of Oyo State that God would grant you all the fortitude to bear the loss in Jesus’ name.”
On his part, former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan expressed sadness over the death of Ajimobi, describing his passage as a great loss to the nation.
In a condolence message to the Ajimobi family and the Government and people of Oyo State, Dr. Jonathan noted that the late Ajimobi was “a public-spirited leader who inspired many to be sincere and forthright in service.”
The message said further: “He was a seasoned technocrat, a successful businessman and a skillful politician whose legacies will continue to endure.”
The former President also highlighted the innovative records of Ajimobi who became Oyo’s first two-time governor, adding that he was “a notable achiever who left a legacy of progress, peace and security in Oyo State.”
Dr. Jonathan further described Senator Ajimobi as a determined leader and committed patriot, noting that “he indeed achieved his dream of leaving Oyo state better than he met it.”
The former President prayed for God to comfort Ajimobi’s family and well-wishers and grant his soul eternal rest.