The immediate former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has passed on in Lagos, according to a family source.
Aged 70 years, he governed Oyo State between 2011 and 2019.
His passage came about ten days after his rumoured departure was dispelled by his media aide, Mr Bolaji Tunji and one of his children. He had been receiving treatment for a COVID-19 related ailment at First Cardiology Hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos. Ajimobi who had COVID-19 related ailment.
While on the sick bed, he was appointed last week as the acting National Chairman of the All Progessives Congress, APC, by that party’s National Working Committee, following the sack of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by the court.
When contacted by the Vanguard, the party’s Chairman in Oyo state, Chief Akin Oke reportedly said that “We can’t make any official statement now when the family members have not said anything. We are hearing just like you people and it has to be authenticated before any official statement can be made”.
But an impeccable source was said to have confirmed the incident saying that the passage “is true this time around” and that the ex-governor had lung surgery. It was further gathered that the medical experts treating him tried all they could to revive him but these proved abortive.
A source also reportedly told TheCable that Ajimobi did not recover after he fell into coma at he hospital.
There was anxiety among his family members when his health condition worsened last week.
He was transferred to the intensive care unit of the hospital where prominent Nigerians have been receiving treatment for COVID-19.
Ajimobi’s condition was managed privately but many developed interest in his whereabouts following his absence at public events, especially at the national working committee (NWC) meetings of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In March, he emerged deputy national chairman of the ruling party in the south-west but he was not involved in strategic meetings held ahead of the Edo and Ondo elections.
When an appeal court in Abuja upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman, Ajimobi was appointed in acting capacity.
Due to his absence, Hillard Eta, vice chairman (south-south) was asked to stand in for Ajimobi.
The party’s NWC has been dissolved while a caretaker committee has taken over.
When Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, was receiving treatment for COVID-19, his predecessor was among those who expressed solidarity with him.
He had commended Makinde for making the people know he tested positive for COVID-19, saying the disease is not a death sentence.
“Immediately I heard that my brother, Gov. Seyi Makinde’s test came back positive, I sent him a text message to express solidarity with him and wish him quick recovery, and God’s protection,” Ajimobi had told reporters.
“I also want to appreciate him for his bravery with this revelation. I know with adequate care he will get over it. I wish him a quick recovery.
“COVID-19 is not a death sentence, people have recovered from it. We will get over this too, but we must continue to ensure that we follow all safety measures.”
A former senator, Ajimobi goes into history as the only person who has served two terms as Oyo governor. He governed the state between 2011 and 2019.
Vanguard/TheCable
