Akinyemi, Ajimobi eulogise Afenifere leader, Ajayi

Former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi has described the death of foremost leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi as one which evokes feelings of “gratitude to God for the gift of longevity.”

But he regretted that the death had shrunk “the number of original nationalists who were active participants in the country’s early life.”

Also, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the death as a huge blow that has decimated the hierarchy of true Yoruba leadership.

Akinyemi said in a statement yesterday that: “He and others were active participants and eye witness to monumental events that shaped the political landscape of this nation. And now, their rank has diminished by the death of Papa Ajayi.”

Akinyemi added that one may not agree with his “conclusions always, but his commitments, passion and integrity were never in doubt. He was steadfast in his struggle for a just and egalitarian society. He fought the good fight, he ran the race and he was faithful to the end. May he rest in peace.”

Ajimobi in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka said Afenifere, the entire Yoruba and the country at large had lost a rare, committed and disciplined leader of repute.

The governor lamented that he died when the country was in dire need of sages required to proffer solutions to its socio-economic challenges.

Describing the elder statesman as urbane and affectionate, Ajimobi said his modest lifestyle was a lesson in humility despite his accomplishments as a distinguished writer, great leader and philosopher.

Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka described Ajayi’s death as a painful loss to the country.

Isiaka, who expressed surprise at the death of the late leader said he would be missed for his great counsel and commitment to uplift the interest of the Yoruba nation in Nigeria.