A former Minister of Power and one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Adebayo Adelabu, has paid glowing tribute to the late former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, describing him as a father figure, mentor and an exceptional political leader whose style of governance inspired his own journey into politics.
Adelabu made the remarks on Thursday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the sixth-year Fidau prayer organised in honour of the late former governor at his private residence in Oluyole Estate, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The former minister reflected on his close personal and political relationship with Ajimobi, saying the late governor played a defining role in shaping his political career and instilling in him the values of purposeful leadership, discipline and service.
According to Adelabu, his relationship with Ajimobi went far beyond politics, describing it as that of a son to his father.
“I entered into politics through his influence. It was his style of governance and his style of politics that attracted me to join politics. My personal relationship with the late former governor was that of a son to a father,” Adelabu said.
He further described Ajimobi as “a magnetized leader who provided clear direction and mentorship,” noting that his leadership qualities naturally attracted people and inspired confidence among party members and political associates.
The governorship aspirant praised Ajimobi’s ability to unite people across different interests, saying the late governor possessed rare political skills that enabled him to maintain cohesion within the Oyo State chapter of the APC throughout his tenure.
According to him, the party enjoyed remarkable unity under Ajimobi’s leadership, unlike the divisions currently being experienced within the party.
Adelabu lamented that the APC in Oyo State has become fragmented in recent years, expressing the view that the late governor’s absence has created a leadership vacuum that has been difficult to fill.
He said that during Ajimobi’s time, disagreements within the party were effectively managed through dialogue, consultation and strong leadership, allowing members to remain focused on common political objectives.
The former minister recalled that Ajimobi consistently placed the overall interest of the party above personal ambitions, a quality he believes contributed significantly to the APC’s strength and electoral success during his administration.
Adelabu noted that the late governor’s influence extended beyond governance into mentorship, adding that many politicians in Oyo State benefited from his guidance and political experience.
He described Ajimobi as a leader who understood how to identify talent, nurture young politicians and prepare them for leadership responsibilities.
According to him, the late governor’s legacy continues to inspire many members of the APC despite his passing.
The sixth-year Fidau prayer brought together family members, political associates, religious leaders, friends and supporters who gathered to honour the memory of the former governor and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Several dignitaries at the event reflected on Ajimobi’s contributions to the political development of Oyo State, describing his administration as one that pursued infrastructural development, urban renewal and institutional reforms.
Adelabu urged members of the APC in Oyo State to embrace unity and work together in the spirit exemplified by the late governor, stressing that internal cohesion would be crucial as the party prepares for future electoral contests, including the 2027 governorship election.
He maintained that only a united party would be capable of presenting a formidable challenge in the next election, adding that members should place collective interests above personal differences.
Political observers believe Adelabu’s remarks are significant as consultations and realignments continue within the Oyo APC ahead of the next electoral cycle. His comments also underscore the enduring influence of the late Abiola Ajimobi, whose leadership style continues to shape political discourse within the party years after his death.
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 governorship election, Adelabu’s tribute serves as both a remembrance of Ajimobi’s legacy and a renewed call for reconciliation, unity and stronger leadership within the APC in Oyo State.
