Former First Lady of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi, has expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for honouring her late husband, Abiola Ajimobi, at the grand finale of events marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State’s creation.
In a post shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Mrs Ajimobi posted photos from the ceremony showing her son, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, receiving the award on behalf of the family from Governor Makinde.
She explained that her son attended the event at the governor’s invitation and formally represented the former governor’s family.
“At the grand finale of Oyo State @50, my son had the honour of attending at the invitation of His Excellency, the governor, representing the family of my late husband, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, former governor of Oyo State,” she wrote.
According to Florence Ajimobi, the award was presented in recognition of her husband’s years of service and contributions to the state’s governance and development. She noted that the late former governor served in the Oyo State administration for over 12 years.
“An award was received in recognition of the service and contributions of the late Governor Ajimobi, who served the state for over 12 years and played a role in its administration,” she said.
She also commended Governor Makinde for recognising her husband’s legacy.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency for his statesmanship and for honouring the legacy, works and leadership of my husband,” she added.
The grand finale marked the climax of a week-long programme organised by the Oyo State Government to commemorate 50 years since the state’s creation.
The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries from within and outside the state, including the Rashidi Ladoja and the Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, was absent.
Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, during the military administration of Murtala Muhammed. Anniversary activities included an opening ceremony at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, a cultural carnival from Mapo Hall to Lekan Salami Sports Complex, and a gala and award night at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
