Abiola Ajimobi

Early Life and Background

Isiaka Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi was born on December 16, 1949, in Oja-Oba, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. His lineage was deeply rooted in the political and traditional fabric of Ibadan. His grandfather was a Sobaloju of Ibadan Land, a significant traditional title, while his father, Pa Ajimobi, was an honorable member of the Western Region House of Assembly, demonstrating a family history of public service and community leadership. This early exposure to governance and community engagement likely influenced his future career trajectory. He began his primary education at St. Patrick's Primary School in Ibadan, continuing to Ibadan City Council Primary School, Aperin, where he completed his primary education. For his secondary education, Ajimobi attended Lagelu Grammar School, a reputable institution in Ibadan, where he demonstrated academic prowess, obtaining his West African School Certificate (O Level) and subsequently his Higher School Certificate (HSC) before proceeding to tertiary education.

Education

Abiola Ajimobi's quest for knowledge led him to pursue higher education abroad. He traveled to the United States of America for his university studies, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Business Administration and Finance from the State University of New York in Buffalo, New York. Not content with just an undergraduate degree, he furthered his academic pursuits, obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Operations Research and Marketing from Governors State University, located in University Park, Illinois. These comprehensive academic qualifications in business and finance laid a strong foundation for his subsequent successful career in both the private sector and public service, equipping him with strategic planning, financial management, and operational expertise.

Career

Ajimobi's career was characterized by distinct phases: a highly successful private sector career followed by a impactful political career. His professional journey began in the United States, where he secured his first job as a State Accountant with the New York Public Transit System. Upon his return to Nigeria, he joined the National Cash Register (NCR) as a Marketing Manager, where he quickly ascended through the ranks. He served as Operations Controller and later as the General Manager of the Consumer Marketing Division. His exceptional leadership and business acumen were recognized, leading him to join Nestle Foods Plc, a multinational food and beverage company, where he served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of its Nigerian subsidiary. He was also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Oil and Chemical Marketing Company (now Conoil) and held various executive positions in other blue-chip companies, accumulating over 26 years of experience in the oil and gas sector and other industries.

His foray into politics began in 2003 when he was elected as a Senator representing the Oyo South Senatorial District under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). During his tenure in the Senate, from 2003 to 2007, he distinguished himself as a committed legislator, contributing to national discourse and advocating for the interests of his constituents. In 2007, he made his first attempt to become the Governor of Oyo State but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he contested again in 2011, this time under the banner of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and was successfully elected as the Governor of Oyo State. He made history in 2015 when he was re-elected for a second term as governor, becoming the first and only governor in Oyo State to achieve this feat. His second term was under the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the merger of ACN and other political parties. After completing his second term in 2019, he attempted to return to the Senate, but was unsuccessful. In June 2020, shortly before his passing, he was appointed as the acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Major Achievements

As Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi's administration was characterized by a robust development agenda encapsulated in his 'Restoration, Transformation, and Repositioning' mantra, famously known as the 'Ajumose' (collective effort) agenda. One of his most significant achievements was the substantial improvement in the security situation of Oyo State, which had previously been plagued by political thuggery and violent crime. His administration established the Oyo State Joint Security Task Force, 'Operation Burst,' and provided it with necessary resources, leading to a significant reduction in crime rates and fostering a more secure environment for residents and businesses. He initiated extensive urban renewal projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of numerous intra-city and inter-city roads, such as the dualization of major roads in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and Oyo towns. These projects significantly improved transportation infrastructure and eased traffic congestion. His administration also focused on environmental sanitation and beautification, leading to a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape. In education, he implemented reforms aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning, including the introduction of the 'School Governing Boards' (SGB) model, which brought community participation into school management. Economically, his government attracted local and foreign investments, fostering a more business-friendly environment. His legacy as the first governor to serve two consecutive terms in Oyo State underscored his political resilience and the public's confidence in his leadership.

Personal Life

Abiola Ajimobi was a devoted family man. He was married to Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, with whom he shared a loving and enduring partnership that began in 1980. Their marriage was blessed with five children: four daughters and one son. These children include Fatima Ganduje-Ajimobi (married to Idris Ajimobi, son of Governor Ganduje of Kano State), Abolaji Ajimobi, Ajijola Ajimobi, Wasiu Ajimobi, and Abimbola Ajimobi. He was known to be a private individual in many aspects of his family life, yet he often spoke fondly of his wife and children, emphasizing the importance of family values. His wife, Florence Ajimobi, was actively involved in various philanthropic and social welfare initiatives, particularly through her pet project, the 'Ajumose Foundation,' which complemented her husband's governmental programs. Ajimobi was also known for his dapper dressing sense and his articulate, sometimes blunt, communication style.

Legacy

Abiola Ajimobi's legacy is multifaceted and significant, particularly in the context of Oyo State's political history. He is primarily remembered as the 'Koseleri' (unprecedented) governor, a moniker he earned for breaking the second-term jinx in Oyo State, an achievement that cemented his place in the state's political annals. His commitment to restoring peace and security fundamentally changed the narrative of Oyo State, transforming it from a hotbed of political violence to a relatively peaceful and stable environment conducive for growth and development. The extensive infrastructural development, especially road networks and urban beautification projects, remains a visible testament to his administration's impact. Furthermore, his efforts in civil service reform, education sector overhaul, and public health initiatives laid foundations for future progress. Although his tenure was not without its critics or controversies, particularly regarding his direct communication style and some policy decisions, his overall impact on the modernization and stability of Oyo State is widely acknowledged. His death on June 25, 2020, at the age of 70, due to complications from COVID-19, marked the end of an era for a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, leaving behind a legacy of transformative leadership and an indelible mark on his home state.