A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ebenezer Babatope, says he is saddened by the death of former Oyo governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
The ex-Minister of Transportation, gave the reaction in a interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
He described Ajimobi as a consummate politician.Babatope disclosed that he had some personal connection with the former Senator.
He said the news came to him “as rude shock; I am saddened by his demise”.
“I know Ajimobi well. His father was a member of the UPN led by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and I was a strong member of that party.
“Ajimobi was just like a brother, even though I am a PDP man. I am sad he is gone. He was such a nice man. His death is painful”, he said.
Babatope prayed to God to grant his soul peaceful repose, and give the family fortitude to bear the loss.
Okowa, Sport Minister, Shehu Sani react to Ajimobi’s death
Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa has reacted to the death of former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
Ajimobi died on Thursday from complications of COVID-19.
In a post on his Twitter page, Okowa expressed sadness at the news of Ajimobi’s death even as he condoled with the people of Oyo state.
The governor wrote: “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.
Also, Minister of Sport, Sunday Dare, described Ajimobi’s death as tragic and untimely.
According to him, he wanted the Senator to use his experience with COVID-19 to guide Nigeria through this difficult times.
On his Twitter page, the minister wrote: “The passing of my elder brother, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, is both untimely and tragic. He served the good people of Oyo for so long. We wanted him to use his experience to guide us through trying times. Sadly, dusk came too early and we must bid goodnight. Sun re, Aare of Ibadan!
“My prayers and thoughts go out to the wife and the family at this time of their sorrow. The Lord that comforts will comfort them and grant them inner peace that passes all understanding.
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“RIP- Senator Abiola Ajimobi, “the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed [praised] be the name of the Lord.This death of one of the foremost political leaders of our time concentrates the mind. It is numbling saddening but we surrender to the Will of God our creator.”
Former Kaduna lawmaker, Shehu Sani on his Twitter page mourning Ajimobi wrote: “Ex Governor Ajimobi;Inna lillahi wainna illayhir rajiun.May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi. Ameen.”
Ajimobi: Buhari reacts to death of ex-Oyo governor
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with government and people of Oyo State over the death of former governor, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi.
Buhari said Ajimobi’s contributions to the development of the state, and nation, will always be remembered.
The President also commiserated with the family of Ajimobi .
Buhari’s condolence was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.
The statement reads: “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 prayed that the Almighty God will comfort the family of the former governor, and grant him a peaceful rest.
Amosun consoles Ajimobi’s family
According to Amosun, Ajimobi distinguished himself in the service of Oyo State, “where he made history as the first to be elected Governor twice just as in the Senate where he served as a principal officer in the fifth Senate.”
He described the late Ajimobi as a “good friend and brother, who would be remembered for his hard work, sense of humour and diligence in the service of humanity.”
Amosun prayed that God will grant the family of Senator Ajimobi the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, saying, “may Allah grant Senator Ajimobi Aljannat Firdaou.”