Six years have passed since the departure of a colossus. Yet, for those who knew him, the presence of late former Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi remains as vivid as the morning sun over Oyo state.
Today, as we mark the sixth remembrance of his transition on June 25, 2020, Chief Barrister Opeyemi Tijani (BOT)—An Ibarapa-born legal luminary, The Aare Baamofin of Igangan, stands in solemn reflection, honoring the man who redefined governance in Oyo State and became the first-ever two-term Governor in the state’s democratic history.
“Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi was not merely a politician; he was an enigma whose impact continues to shape our political landscape,” Chief Tijani declared. “Six years without him, and we still feel the weight of his absence—but also the enduring strength of his legacy.”
Chief Tijani, who has consistently celebrated Ajimobi’s posthumous legacy, described the late Governor as “an inspiration for generations,” emphasizing that his political acumen and visionary leadership transformed Oyo State from a state known for violence and brigandage to one where tranquility reigned and the security of lives was assured.
“His desire to transform Oyo State was premised on his firm belief that a great leader is one that takes his people not where they want to be but where they ought to be,” Chief Tijani quoted, echoing Ajimobi’s own words.
Paying tribute to Ajimobi’s political acumen, Chief Tijani highlighted the late Governor’s ability to bridge divides and unite disparate political tendencies. As former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi once observed, Ajimobi “has always played the role of a conciliator between the eclectic political tendencies that necessarily emerge in modern politics”.
“The barrier of impossibility seemed destroyed because of Ajimobi,” Chief Tijani reflected. “He showed us that a man can excel in both worlds—in the private sector as a top brass in an oil company, and in the public sector as a Senator and the first two-term Governor in the annals of Oyo State political history. Today, we all believe that if Senator Ajimobi could do it, many more can also do it”.
The late Governor, who remains an enduring symbol of courage, discipline, and purposeful governance . His public persona—often described as razor-sharp, blunt, and unapologetic—belied a deeply humane leader who genuinely loved his people.
Chief Tijani, who has himself emerged as a formidable political figure in Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, draws inspiration from Ajimobi’s legacy as he continues to champion grassroots development and progressive values.
“Senator Ajimobi was an enigma that changed the face and landscape of Oyo State,” Tijani concluded, his voice heavy with emotion. “I celebrate my leader posthumously and pray that his legacies will continue to radiate in gold. He came, he saw, and he conquered”.
As the sun sets on this sixth remembrance of Ajimobi’s transition, Barrister Tijani urges the people of Oyo State—and Nigeria at large—to reflect on the lessons of Ajimobi’s leadership: courage in the face of opposition, vision in the midst of chaos, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.
“We must not let his memory fade,” Tijani implored. “We must build upon the foundations he laid, uphold the values he stood for, and ensure that the Oyo State he envisioned continues to flourish.”
Six years gone. An enigma remains. “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” Proverbs 10:7
