The Oyo State House of Assembly has appealed to the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to release ₦500 million to the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, as promised in 2024.
The House also urged the governor to include the university in the payment of monthly subvention from January 2026 to sustain its operations.
The appeals were contained in a motion moved by lawmaker representing Ibadan South West state constituency 2, Mr. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi.
According to the lawmaker, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Education, the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University is grappling with inadequate funding to cater for essential infrastructure, staff welfare and to sustain its academic operations.
He noted that the institution chiefly rely on Special Local Government Scholarship Scheme, its internally generated revenue and grants from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND.
Also speaking on the motion, the lawmaker representing Egbeda state constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Sunkanmi Babalola, appreciated the efforts of the present administration on the university in terms of road network, perimeter fence and street lights, which he said have contributed to its physical outlook.
Passing the resolutions, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, granted the request by the mover of the motion to allow the House Committee on Tertiary Education to meet with the management of the university.
The eldest child of the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Bisola Kola-Daisi, has sadly passed away at the age of 44.
Late Abiola Ajimobi and Bisola Kola-Daisi at a function.
Reports indicate that she died in the early hours of Thursday in the United Kingdom.
Bisola, who was married to Mr. Kolapo Kola-Daisi, served as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, until her passing.
The Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families have requested prayers and understanding during this difficult time as they grieve the departure of a beloved daughter, wife, and public servant.
Further details will be shared as appropriate, with respect for the family’s need for space and solace.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has announced the re-name of the First Technical University, Ibadan to Senator Abiola Ajimobi First Technical University.
The governor disclosed this on Friday at the 2nd Convocation Ceremony held at Tech-U Library Hall on Friday.
The governor said there is a right time to search and also count losses, adding that “we live in a world where we all have to pursue our dreams.”
He noted that he contested election three times, but because he didn’t give up to serve his people, he contested the fourth time and won.
Makinde also recalled how he also secured a job at Shell Oil Company and how he continued to strive till he became the governor of Oyo State.
The governor encouraged the students to keep working hard and also advised them not to just seek white-collar jobs, but to also be an employer of labour.
A major event that attracted public attention to the judicial arm of government early in the year 2022 was the removal of the Ibadan Twenty-One Kings installed by late Governor Abiola Ajimobi by an Oyo State High Court.
Senator Lekan Balogun and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council who were crowned Obas in 2017 had written to their lawyer, Kunle Sobaloju, to withdraw their case challenging a consent judgment on their elevation from high chiefs to Obaship status.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde had asked the kings to lay to rest the controversy surrounding their elevation by withdrawing the case, to pave way for Senator Lekan Balogun’s ascension to the throne of Olubadan following the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Also, justice Ladiran Akintola of an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan dismissed the suit filed by Deputy Governor. Rauf Olaniyan to stop the House of Assembly from removing him from office. Justice Akintola ruled that the House of Assembly had not breached the provisions of the constitution on the removal of the Deputy Governor.
At the Federal level, In June, 14 justices of the Supreme Court addressed a joint petition to former Chief Justice, Tanko Mohammed which leaked out to the public, the first of its kind in the 58-year history of the Apex Court. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who was one of the petitioners, eventually replaced JusticeTanko Mohammed as head of the Supreme Court.
On assumption of office, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola said he would not condone any abuse of power and public trust from judicial officers.
Justice Ariwoola said this at the swearing-in of members of the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals in Abuja
Also, 2022 was characterized by some interesting rulings including one ordering the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from jail, while courts ruled prison terms for the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff for what the judges deemed contempt of court.
In an interview, a cross-section of Ibadan residents said the judiciary in Nigeria was rising up to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Ibadan-based legal Practitioners, Mr. James Ajibola and Mrs. Adenike Ibitara said there was still room for improvement in the dispensation of justice in the country
They maintained that the Judiciary needed to be properly funded and provided with facilities that would enhance its performance.
Barristers Ajibola and Ibitara, therefore, urged the executive arm to adhere strictly to the tenets of separation of power, to ensure that the freedom of the Judiciary is not hampered by undue interference.
The 7.2km Idi-Ape-Bashorun-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks junction road, Ibadan has been inaugurated by the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
Dr Fayemi while inaugurating the project commended Governor Seyi Makinde for not abandoning the work, which was started by the administration of Late Abiola Ajimobi.
The road project would serve three local governments in the state connecting Ibadan North-East to Lagelu and Akinyele.
Son of former Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Idris Ajimobi has picked the All Progressives Congress Party Ticket for Ibadan South West state Constituency II. He became the consensus candidate of the party as his opponents at the primary for the state House of Assembly stepped down to pave way for him as the party flag bearer at the 2023 general election.
While reacting to his victory at the Railway Club, off Alesinloye road, venue of the primary election , Alhaji Ajimobi gave thanks to God and promised to do the party proud.
“I will make the people proud, I will make my Constituency proud and I will represent them at best as I can against any contender from the opposition party.”
He also extended hands of fellowship to his Co contenders who stepped down for him while promising to work with them for the good of the party.
Former commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning in Oyo State, Mr Abimbola Adekanmbi has explained how he was picked from the United Kingdom to become member of the State Executive Council in the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Mr Adekanmbi was speaking as a guest at a roundtable programme tagged “Guest of the month” organized by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station
The Oyo South Senatorial aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC said his appointment by the former governor was based on merit after the late Senator Ajimobi had met him in London and became impressed by his resume.
The financial expert who described the former governor as the most cerebral human being he had ever come across in life said the vision and personality of the two term governor persuaded his conviction to relocate from the U.K to serve the state.
Adekanmbi said ” I came to work, I didn’t even know that people came to work in Nigeria and get benefit apart from your salary, I didn’t know that people get contracts, I didn’t know that people will get official car, no, no, I came to work and because of Governor Ajimobi’s conviction”.
He further noted that “I was the person that must have had the most enemy in Oyo state then, because when I came, my own is, if we have meeting for 12 o’clock, by 12 o’clock I’m at that meeting. It is in Nigeria that by 3 o’clock somebody will knock the door and ask if the meeting has started and for me”
“So by fourth month, people were already telling governor Ajimobi that I was a no nonsense man and that I am capable of tarnishing the image of his administration because I give people query at will. At a time I had to calm down a bit because I couldn’t work with people” He said.
Mr. Adekanmbi, a one time Deputy Chief of staff to Governor Ajimobi said he was able to bridge the orientation gap by redesigning people’s mindset and assigning the right personnel for each task..
While reacting to the allegation from Governor Seyi Makinde of a 13 billion Naira fraud allegedly committed by Ajimobi’s administration, the ex Oyo commissioner for finance who is a forensic expert, exonerated the immediate past governor, promising to give all the necessary support to unravel the alledged fraud and bring perpetrators to book.
Adekanmbi advised Governor Makinde to unveil the identity of such “official of the Commercial Bank” the same way he named the Company involved in the Paris Club monies that was purportedly moved to the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSTROMA) and stolen, if he has facts and figures rather than name callings.
He explained that the alleged corrupt officers could not be the yardstick to rubbish the achievement of the All Progressives Congress, APC led administration in the state.
Hon Adekanmbi said the late Abiola Ajimobi prioritized due process in his eight years of administration.
Reacting to questions on his Oyo south senatorial ambition, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi promised to consider the uniqueness of each area under the senatorial district and provide quality representation according to their needs if given the mandate.
He said His antecedent and closeness to the grassroot have distinguished him from other aspirants jostling to clinch the Oyo South senatorial mandate.
The APC chieftain also gave assurance of his commitment to prioritise the welfare of political associates and leaders if he emerged winner.
Hon Adekanmbi challenged everyone to stop social media criticism and get actively involved in politics which he said should start by joining political parties and obtaining the PVCs ahead of the 2023 general election.
.Abinmbola Adekanmbi is a philantropist, who has been offering over 300 UTME forms to students annually for the past 3 years. The Programme is unique as it offers free Tuition, free Mock Examination and scholarship to any Federal University of choice for the best student in each Local Government in Ibadan and Ibarapa. He has recently introduced a Bursary Scheme for students in Tertiary Institutions in Ibadan and Ibarapa. In 2022, he implemented a Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme, training Beneficiaries in several Vocations and Skills. All Adekanmbi Youth Programmes are targeted at brilliant, but indigent or financially challenged students. His objective is to build a pool of youth that can face the challenges of the current times and that can positively impact society. Abimbola has from the time he ventured into politics being a member of Action Congress, AC , which teamed with other parties to form All Progressives Congress in 2
Earlier, Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan, Mrs Bolatito Joseph advocated inclusiveness of more women in governance and all sectors of the Nation’s economy.
Mrs Joseph said accountability, transparency and good governance were not negotiable to promote democracy. “Our dear country Nigeria is a unique and hugely endowed nation. As stakeholders in the Nigerian project, there is the need to rub minds occasionally like this. There is the need for sober reflection whereby we review our past, consider our present and of course, plan for our futurer. As we look back to the promises of a great nation, united in its diversity, where tribe and tongue do not matter, a country that harnesses its abundant human and material resources, I compare this dream to where we are at the moment. One conclusion is inescapable, much as we have attempted to achieve development, unity and progress, our efforts seem not to have attained the desired result”.
In a welcome address, Deputy Director News and Current Affairs, Mr Tunde Abiodun explained that the the programme was in line with FRCN’s mandate to set agenda and raise the bar of good governance through informative programmes and unbiased reportage.
The programme attracted personalities from different walks of life.
A traditional ruler, Oba Raji Adeyanju has said that he is alive and still remains on the stool of Oloko of Oko Ile, in Orire local government area of Oyo state.
Oba Adeyanju stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Oko Ile.
Oba Adeyanju said he was installed by the state government maintaining that he had been receiving his monthly entitlements from the government.
He explained that the title of Oloko Ile was formally conferred on him by the late governor Abiola Ajimobi noting that he had also been elevated by the government.
Oba Adeyanju also presented documents to substantiate his claims.
Oba Adeyanju appealed to the public that he is the substantive Oloko of Oko Ile, adding that he is hale and hearty.
“I am not dead, I am alive, hale and hearty and I pray that God should grant me a long life. Anyone claiming the stool has been impersonating me.i am the one attending traditional Council meeting in Orire local government,I receive monthly stipend,I also attend obaship meeting.”Oba Adeyanju submitted.
People from all walks of life have converged on International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, UI, on the occasion of third annual Abiola Ajimobi Round Table and Seventy-First Posthumous birthday of the late governor of Oyo State.
In attendance were eminent Nigerians, notable traditional rulers including Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Kano State Governor, Abdulai Ganduje and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
The event is jointly organized by Institute of Peace and Strategic studies, UI, and Senator Abiola Ajimobi foundation.
Earlier, Governor Ganduje had laid the foundation of Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre at University of Ibadan.
The groups equally paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Babatunde Ekaanola
Chief Imam, Oluyole Estate Central Mosque, Alhaji Mudathir Bada wants people to be godly in their dealings and always exhibit good character.
He stated this at the fortieth Fidau prayer for the former Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi at his Oluyole residence Ibadan.
Alhaji Bada explained that people should not take life for granted but lived so that when they die, people would be able to speak well of them.
Alhaji Bada described the life and times of the senator as worthy of emulation, stressing that he was able to impact positively on the lives of the people.
In another lecture, a prominent Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muyideen Bello emphasised the need to always prepare for death through a legacy that would remain after demise.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the only son of Senator Ajimobi, Idris expressed gratitude to God for the life of his father and promised the children would sustain his legacies.
The forty days Fidau prayer for the late former governor had in attendance eminent Nigerians including Governor Umaru Ganduje of Kano State.
A delegation of Oyo State Government led by the deputy governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan were turned back from entering the Oluyole residence of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, venue of the 8th day Fidau prayer for the deceased.
Reports say security details attached to the venue resisted efforts of the delegation in entering the venue of Ajimobi’s Fidau, as they almost engaged in open confrontation with security details attached to the Oyo deputy governor.
Engineer Olaniyan was said to have left after making frantic calls to people believed to be close to the family.
Also on the delegation were the Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Agboola and Commissioner for Lands, Barrister Abiodun Abdul-Raheem.
In a swift reaction, the spokesperson to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Mr. Bolaji Tunji, has clarified that Ajimobi’s family was not aware the Oyo deputy governor was going to attend the Fidau prayers, as neither the advanced team nor the protocol of the deputy governor informed them.
Mr Tunji in a statement said the Deputy Governor arrived after the prayer had started and that the event which was strictly a family affair was held in compliance with COVID-19 social distancing protocols with not more than 30 people in a place and seats arranged, accordingly.
“Through a serving Senator and a former Attorney General we tried to get in touch with the Deputy Governor that it was not to slight him and he could sit in a private sitting room provided by the family. Unfortunately, he had left. We however apologise to his Excellency,” the statement said.
Death has been described as inevitable for all human beings hence the need to thread softly in life.
Chief Imam, Oluyole Central Mosque Alhaji Mushashir Bada stated this at the eight day Fidau prayer for the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, Lilian Ibomor who monitored the online streaming of the programme held at Oluyole Residence of the deceased in Ibadan tell us more.
The Oluyole residence of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has continued to play host to notable personalities.
Among those who visited the residence of late Ajimobi were Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Teslim Folarin and his colleague from Oyo North Senatorial District, Fatai Buhari, who described the former governor as a distinguished personality and courageous in all his dealings.
Also, members of the House of Representatives, representing Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola areas of the state ,Mr Sina Pella, and representative of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Mr Olaide Akinremi as well as representative of Egbeda Ona Ara Federal Constituency, Mr Akin Alabi, said the death of the late Ajimobi was a rude shock but appreciated God for the opportunity afforded him to clock seventy years he had always wished for before he left the world.
Two other law makers from Oyo State, who were also at the residence of the deceased, Akeem Adeyemi and Ashimiyu Alarape, said the vacuum the deceased left behind could not be easily filled.
Late Senator Isiak Abiola Ajimobi who died at the age of seventy, would be laid to rest at Abiola Ajimobi Central Mosque, Oke-Ado, Ibadan at 12:00noon.
The news of the death of former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi which filtered in on Thursday afternoon, leaving the people with shock was the climax of rumours about his health status that had been trending for some days.
Many had been praying that Senator Ajimobi would survive the hospitalisation on account of Covid-19 complications and come out alive but this was not to be.
The former governor who was born at Oja Iba in Ibadan, Oyo State on December 16, 1949 had a privileged background.
His grandfather was the Sobaloju of Ibadan land, his father, Pa Ajimobi was also a member of the House of Assembly in the old Western Region, while his uncle, Honourable N.A Ajimobi was Minister of Works and Transport in the Western Region.
Senator Ajimobi started his primary education at Ibadan City Council Primary School, Aperin, his secondary education was at Lagelu Grammar School.
He was active in athletics, table tennis and football including serving as the games prefect during his secondary school days and this earned him the nickname “Archipelago”.
Late Ajimobi studied Business Administration and Finance at the State University of New York in Buffalo, New York, United States of America, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree.
He had his MBA in Operations Research and Marketing with concentration in finance at Governors State University, University Park, Illinois.
Senator Ajimobi married Florence Ajimobi in 1980 and the marriage was blessed with five children.
In 2007, Senator Ajimobi contested the gubernatorial seat of Oyo State under the umbrella of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, but lost.
Undaunted, he gave it another shot in 2011 under the banner of Action Congress of Nigeria and won.
In April, 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he made history as the first governor to win a re-election and in succession, defeating two of his predecessors in office, Chief Christopher Alao-Akala and Alhaji Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Senator Ajimobi lost his bid to return to the senate on the platform of the APC to the incumbent Senator Kola Balogun of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, who clinched the seat of the Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2019 General Elections.
Shortly before his death, the late senator who was the Deputy National Chairman ,South, was named and endorsed as the Caretaker National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress Party following the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole by the Court of Appeal.
The Oyo State former helmsman who bestrode the political terrain with elegance meant different things to different people.
To admirers, he was the architect of modern Oyo State while others are quick to point to his blunt nature and unbridled utterances which set him on war path with some as a minus.
President Muhammadu Buhari described the late governor as steadfast and consistent with progressive view, someone who worked assiduously for the creation of APC.
The president noted that Ajimobi died at a crucial time when the party and the country needed his counsels to heal and grow.
On his part, All Progressives Congress Chieftain, Senator Bola Tinubu said the party had lost an outstanding statesman, a dedicated friend, brother and ally.
To the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, Dr Kayode Fayemi the death of Senator Ajimobi was a personal loss and a huge loss to the people of Oyo state in particular and Nigeria in general.
The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare who described Ajimobi as his elder brother noted that his death came too early.
Ajimobi’s successor and incumbent governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde said Ajimobi would be missed for leaving a blueprint for some of the activities that his administration was undertaking.
As the sun sets on the life and times of Senator Ajimobi on Thursday, 25th June, 2020, one thing is certain; his memory will continue to linger in the minds of all and sundry.
Ogun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed sadness over the death of the former two-term Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajumobi.
In a statement made available in Abeokuta by the State Publicity Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, the party described the late former governor as a versatile politician, courageous administrator and a jinx breaker in the politics of Oyo State, who never shied away from expressing his mind and taking responsibility on issues.
Ogun APC while commiserating with the party leaders and members in Oyo State, the National and the Oyo State Government on the death of the Senator enjoined the family to be consoled that the former senator has, by his deeds, etched his name positively in the book of remembrance in Oyo State.
The party prayed that God will grant the family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Legal luminary and politician, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), has described the death of former governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as a colossal loss not only to Nigeria but the entire Black race in the global community.
In a condolence message made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant, Prince Olumuyiwa Akinbiyi, Chief Akintola said Ajimobi would never be forgotten in the history of mankind as one of the finest Africans who did his best to change the face of leadership and public administration in the 21st century.
The legal icon noted Senator Ajimobi was among the courageous federal lawmakers who stood their ground and thwarted the ill-advised third term agenda of the then civilian president and in addition to his brilliant contributions to legislative activities and robust engagement at the 5th National Assembly.
Chief Akintola said the state can, however, find solace in the legacy of hard work, innovation and unbeatable achievements which he left behind and prayed God to grant him eternal rest and uphold members of his immediate family as well as all his friends, supporters and associates.
Prominent personalities in Oyo State have continued to mourn the death of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
According to Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Teslim Folarin, he was consoled that Senator Ajimobi lived an impactful life.
Secretary to Oyo State Government during the regime of Senator Ajimobi , Alhaji Olalekan Alli said his boss would be remembered for being the brain behind the modern Oyo State.
Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni who prayed for the repose of the deceased noted that Senator Ajimobi was a bridge builder and reputable for his development stride.
Our correspondent reports that since the demise of Senator Ajimobi, his Oluyole residence in Ibadan has been playing host to different categories of people.
A cross section of residents of Ibadan have described the death of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi as a rude shock to the state.
The respondents who spoke with radio Nigeria said Ajimobi was an icon whose political history would never be forgotten in Oyo State.
One of them, Mr Adedayo Alawode said he was yet to believe that the former governor, fondly called “Constituted Authority” was no more.
In another remark, Mr Femi Fajembola said Ajimobi left the world too early, adding that death did not allow him to enjoy many more years after the stress of governance.
The respondents prayed God to grant the family and entire Oyo state the fortitude to bear irreparable loss.
