Bolaji Tunji, the special adviser on communication and strategy to the late ex-Governor Abiola Ajimobi has paid tribute to his former boss, detailing how the All Progressive Congress chieftain made a journey of no-return from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.
Mr Ajimobi, 70, the immediate past governor of Oyo State, died in Lagos on Thursday from complications arising from COVID-19.
He was until his death the deputy national chairman (South) of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Mr Tunji in his tribute posted on Facebook expressed shock at Ajimobi’s death, recounting how the politician took great caution in a bid to avoid contracting the coronavirus disease known to be deadly for elderly persons.
He wrote, “He radiated good health and we still marvelled that he still looked so good for his 70 years. Being 70 meant a lot to him and would jokingly call himself Baba 70. As he left our wing of the house to the other side, a few of us in our usual manner trailed him. He spoke with a few people in the courtyard before he left to prepare for that trip. I never knew it was going to be the last time I would see him.
“But in his usual organized manner, there was no pending issue. He had taken care of everything. He had signed all the letters of appointment for the peace and reconciliation committee.
“I still can’t wrap my head around what happened. He was so healthy, he was neat, he took all the necessary precautions even while he sat with us in our open office, he was always with his face mask, we always observe social distancing. We were always quick to give him hands sanitizer anytime he touched something. We were conscious of his age and did all we could to ensure safety. We had three spots where you had to wash hands before entering the premises. One at each of the main entrance gates and another by the entrance to our office. We observed all due protocols. So, what happened? How did it happen? None of us was sick. So where did this come from? I am still trying to find answers.
“A legend is born with the death of a hero. You will forever remain in my heart, in our heart. I have learnt so much from you. You were a willing teacher. You would deliberately sit with us and tell us about life experiences.
The idea was to learn from you. And we learnt. You would have been surprised if we had not learnt. As you were quick to point out, you never had an academic PhD, but you had a PhD in experiences and what life had to teach.
