Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with the Ajimobi family, the people and Government of Oyo State on the demise of former governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Ajimobi, who ruled Oyo State from 2011 to 2019, died at the First Cardiologist and Cardiovascular Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, from complications arising from lung surgery and COVID-19. He was 70.
Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, said Ajimobi’s death at this critical time of the country’s political history was painful and regrettable.
He said that Ajimobi contributed immensely to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum while he was governor of Oyo State.
The governor stated, “The late Ajimobi was a patriot and a political icon whose life-long dedication and indefatigable commitment to serving the people will be unforgettable.
“He made history when he was re-elected in 2015 to become the first democratically-elected Governor of Oyo State to serve two terms.
“His contributions to the social, political and economic development of Nigeria and indeed, humanity will forever remain indelible in our hearts.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with his family, Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State, the numerous friends, associates, well-wishers and admirers of the deceased political colossus and a patriot per excellence, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
“It is my prayer that God grant the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Similarly, Governor Okowa has described the death of a former member, House of Representatives, Chief Austin Ogbaburhon as “painful and a great loss to the state.”
Ogbaburhon, a former Board Chairman, Nigeria Rubber Research Institute and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, reportedly died at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja on Thursday morning.
Reacting to the demise of Ogbaburhon, who was also a former Chairman of Okpe and Udu Local Government Areas, Okowa described him as a great politician who made his mark in the political history of Delta.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Friday in Asaba, said Ogbaburhon, who represented Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency between 2011 and 2015 was a grassroots politician and a great leader.
Okowa said, “Chief Ogbaburhon was Deputy State Chairman of PDP and later Chairman, Waste Management Board where he contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state.
“His contributions to the provision of employment for the youths of the state remains laudable. As Chief Executive Officer of Gabstin International Services, he created numerous offshore jobs for Deltans.
“Although he later joined the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) where he was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, he returned to the PDP later but moved to the APC in 2017.
“Ogbaburhon played his part in the political history of Delta and will be missed by all.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with his family, the Orhuwhorun community in Udu Local Government Area on the passing of Chief Austin Ogbaburhon.
“It is my prayer that God grant his soul easy passage and bring succour to all those who mourn his demise.”