A former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, says the governance style of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi inspired his decision to venture into politics, describing the ex-governor as a mentor whose leadership left a lasting impact on the state.
Adelabu made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on the sidelines of the sixth-year Fidau prayer held in honour of Ajimobi at his Oluyole Estate residence in Ibadan.
According to him, his relationship with the late governor went beyond politics, likening it to that of a father and son.
“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 described Ajimobi as a charismatic and visionary leader who provided direction, mentorship and stability within the APC, adding that the party remained united and well-coordinated under his leadership.
Adelabu noted that Ajimobi’s administration was defined by decisive action, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure development and education.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chairman of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, he credited the former governor with building a strong security framework that helped curb criminal activities across the state.
“Ajimobi’s body language was that Oyo should be crime-free, and he achieved it. A governor must confront crime, must be ready to fight crime head-on. You cannot run away from crime, you must face it. That is what Ajimobi did,” he said.
The former minister also urged APC members to put the party’s interests above personal ambitions and embrace reconciliation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, unity within the party will be critical to reclaiming power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Ajimobi, who served as governor of Oyo State between 2011 and 2019, died on June 25, 2020, at the age of 70 following complications from COVID-19. He was buried at his Oluyole Estate residence in Ibadan.
Also speaking at the event, a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Olalekan Ali, called on APC members and residents of the state to draw inspiration from Ajimobi’s legacy of discipline, development and good governance.
He stressed the need for collective efforts to rebuild and reposition the party for future electoral success.