I first met late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 1988,when he came to see my late dad (Alhaji Muritala Lapade) early one morning with his amiable wife. My dad was the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs then. I immediately saw a charismatic man, with a great sense of humour, you had no choice but to like him.
I later met him in 2010 at LTV 8, Ikeja at the launching of ACN, where we both discussed our ambitions and I was convinced to support his ambition and he said he will support mine too.
Oga, as I fondly called him, became the executive governor of Oyo state and I had the chance to work under him as the chairman of Ibadan North local government and he was the best boss anybody can wish for.
He was my mentor, role model and a source of inspiration. Most of the things I learnt from him are still guiding me in politics, business and everyday life.
Senator Abiola Ajimobi was totally different from any governor in Nigeria, he gave us total autonomy as chairmen. We could see him anytime we wanted— he used to meet us twice every month, at least. He encouraged us to work hard so that we could leave a legacy. He feared no foe— if he was going to do something positive he will do it not minding whose ox was gored.
I can go on and on about Oga but let me stop here and pray that the Almighty Allah will bless his soul and grant him Aljanat Fridaus.
Happy heavenly birthday to a courageous man, former governor Ishaq Abiola Akanji Ajimobi, we miss you and we will keep missing you, rest on Oga mi.
Idris Babatunde Lapade is a former Executive Chairman of Ibadan North local government.
