Nation has lost a major progressive voice, Ambode mourns

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed sadness over the passage of Pa Olanihun Ajayi.The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said Ajayi was a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

Ambode said: “Papa was one of the few surviving close associates of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. After Chief Awolowo’s death, he was a consistent advocate for the struggle to see Nigeria achieve the dreams of her founding fathers.

“He was very passionate about the progress of Nigeria. He was an intellectual genius who had an enthusiasm for the development of his immediate community and the country at large.”

He added: “I recall my last meeting with him just about three months ago at the residence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was like a premonition. He had admonished all of us to give him a long lasting legacy and ensure that the Yoruba hegemony is not trampled upon and tarnished.“This wish of his, as a great Nigerian statesman, and true son of Yoruba land, we are committed to uphold and to cherish.”