Ajimobi’s burial holds Sunday in mosque named after him
The remains of former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, will be buried at the Ajimobi Central Mosque in Ibadan on Sunday.
Ajimobi, aged 70, died from multiple organ failure in Lagos on Thursday, following complications from COVID-19 infection.
Ajimobi’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji, in a statement on Friday, said, “In close consultation with the governments of Lagos and Oyo states, the date for the burial ceremony has been announced.
“Barring any changes, his body will be interred at the Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Central Mosque at Oke Ado, Ibadan, at noon on Sunday, June 28 after the traditional Muslim prayers.
“To ensure that strict COVID-19 protocols are adhered to and in light of the current circumstances of our national health challenges, the family appeals to the public to observe strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols in their participation.”
According to the statement, details of the live media coverage of the funeral will be made public on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has expressed shock over Ajimobi’s death.
Oba Adetunji, whose last meeting with the deceaased in February at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, described it as a tragedy for a father to mourn his son.
A former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja; and a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, also commiserated with the Ajimobi family.
In separate statements, they described the late All Progressives Congress stalwart’s death as a great loss to the family, state and Nigeria.
Also, a former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, in a statement, said, “He was a very great, eloquent and quintessential leader.”
Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria, on Friday, paid glowing tributes to the late ex-governor, while commiserating with his family, Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo, saying Ajimobi would be remembered for allowing peaceful religious co-existence in the state.
The President, CAN, Dr Samson Ayokunle, in a statement, said, “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 them to be covered live by both the radio and television arms of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.”
Similarly, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege, in separate statements, noted that Ajimobi, who had represented Oyo South Senatorial District, would be missed by the people of the state and the APC.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, described Ajimobi’s demise as a painful loss, adding that he lived a fulfilled life and served the people of Oyo State diligently and patriotically.
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State also described the deceased as an astute politician and seasoned administrator, who had made numerous contributions to the growth of Oyo and the nation.
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in a statement by his aide, Ojo Oyewamide, said, “The demise of the former governor prods remarkably nostalgic moments. Twice, he (Akeredolu) had cause to be Ajimobi’s lead counsel in defence of his governorship mandate, and on both occasions, they savoured victorious moments.” Punch
