Former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Isiaka Kazeem Tunde, popularly known as ‘Arole’, has lamented the enduring void left by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, describing him as an irreplaceable force in the political architecture of Oyo State and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a reflective tribute made available to westernmirror.com.ng, Arole noted that the passing of Senator Abiola Ajimobi in June 2020 not only marked the end of an era but created a ripple of challenges that continue to haunt the APC in the state.
He highlighted several reasons why Ajimobi remains a figure whose absence is deeply felt, even years after his demise.
“Ajimobi was more than a former governor. He was the de facto leader of the APC in Oyo State, a political strategist, and a stabilizing figure.
“His ability to bring together divergent interests and manage internal conflicts gave the party a unique strength. After his death, no one of similar political weight emerged to fill the vacuum,” the ex lawmaker stated.
According to the Oyo born former lawmaker, the leadership crisis that followed Ajimobi’s death exposed the party to intense factional struggles, with no consensus figure to hold the centre.
Arole attributed the deepening divisions in the Oyo APC to the absence of Ajimobi’s firm and respected leadership.
He pointed to the escalation of internal rivalries, the emergence of parallel congresses, and high-profile defections as direct consequences of the late governor’s absence.
“Ajimobi had the moral authority and political tact to manage egos and ambitions within the party. Without him, unresolved grievances became amplified, and many loyalists either left or lost faith in the system,” he added.
While Ajimobi passed away after the 2019 general elections, Arole emphasized that his declining political presence in the final months of his tenure, and subsequent death, weakened the APC’s electoral machine.
“The structure he built was unmatched. It was his political legacy that gave the APC victory in 2011 and 2015. After he left office, and especially after his death, that structure began to crumble.
“We saw the results in the way the party struggled in subsequent elections,” Arole added.
Ajimobi, at the time of his death, served as the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC and had briefly acted as the party’s National Chairman.
Arole noted that his stature at the national level gave Oyo APC a strategic advantage in negotiations and policy direction.
In his words: “His death took away our voice at the national table. It diminished our influence and bargaining power within the APC’s national framework.”
Beyond politics, Arole described Ajimobi’s death as an emotional loss to thousands of party supporters and residents of Oyo State who saw in him a symbol of purposeful governance and confidence.
“For many, Ajimobi was the face of modern Oyo State. His reforms, boldness, and charisma gave people a sense of pride in governance. His death shattered that sense of continuity and leadership,” he added.
Arole however, urged current leaders within the Oyo APC to reflect on the legacy of Ajimobi and recommit themselves to unity, discipline, and strategy.
“Until we begin to honor his legacy by working together, by focusing on the people, and by rebuilding our internal cohesion, we will continue to miss Ajimobi not just in words, but in our political failures,” Arole declared.
Westernmirror.com.ng understands that Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who served as governor from 2011 to 2019, remains the only individual to have governed Oyo State for two consecutive terms.