Dr Yunus Akintunde, the lawmaker representing Oyo central senatorial district, has described the death of a former chairman of the First Bank of Nigeria, Prince Ajibola Afonja, as a personal loss.
Afonja had died Sunday night at the University College Hospital, UCH.
Akintunde who is from the same Oyo town with the deceased former minister, also described him as a unifier and supporter of any worthy cause.
In a personally signed statement, Akintunde said that “I am saddened by the death of our father, community and national leader, Prince Ajibola Afonja. For me, it is a personal loss. I still spoke with him four days ago and we were to meet this coming weekend in our hometown. I am pained.
“This man was committed to the development of Oyo and Nigeria at large. There was nothing he cannot sacrifice to achieve that. When it was unfashionable to set up a multi-billion naira business in a community like ours, he took the risk and from everywhere, people came to patronize his Integrated Dimensional System, IDS, that specialized in production and sales of bathroom wares. He did many other businesses.
“It was on record that he was once a minister of the federal republic. He contested a senatorial seat because he wanted the district and Oyo State to have a voice. Every attempt aimed at nation building, you will see IDS there.
“In fact, when he was made chairman of the First Bank of Nigeria, Oyo was number one on his lips. When he completed his tenure, he operated from Oyo. So, you can see his love for Oyo.
“Before then, many associations in Oyo and beyond enjoyed his benevolence. He can spend his last kobo to make sure their aims are achieved. His door was always open to me, for advise and suggestions.
“Oyo, Oyo State and indeed Nigeria have lost a good man. His void would be difficult to fill. I pray Allah console us and the family and grant our father aljanah firdaus,” Akintunde said in the statement.
