Ajimobi: Makinde directs flags to fly at half-mast, as sympathisers throng Ibadan residence

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed sadness at the demise of the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The governor, in a condolence message to the Ajimobi family and the good people of Oyo State, also directed that the state’s flag fly at half mast on Friday.
The condolence message read: “I  was so sorry to hear the news of the passing away of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, which sad event took place earlier today. 
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain the family must be going through at this time because of the loss of their patriarch. It is my prayer that God grants them all the strength to bear this great loss. 
“I join the good people of Oyo State as we mourn the death of a statesman. I have directed that flags fly at half-mast tomorrow in honour of our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State. 
“Surely, he will be remembered for leaving a blueprint for some of the activities that our administration is now undertaking. 
“The Oyo State Government will be extending to his family, all the courtesies deserving of his personage. “May his soul rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Oluyole, Ibadan, residence of Ajimobi wore a mournful look on Thursday evening as scores of sympathisers besieged the building following the reported death of the two-time governor.
A huge crowd had thronged the residence as early as 5.pm as news of the reported death filtered into the Oyo State capital.
While the gate leading into the house was open, the main building was under lock, with the mourners milling around the premises and discussing the development in groups.
Although some of the former cabinet members were sighted at the residence, they declined to comment on the development.
Ajimobi was a senator from 2003 to 2007. He was elected governor in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, becoming the first Oyo State governor to serve two terms.
Among the early mourners was Senator Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo South), who described Ajimobi as his ” blood, leader and benefactor.”
Folarin, in a tweet few minutes after the news of Ajimobi’s reported death filtered into Ibadan, described his demise as saddening.
“My cousin, political leader and benefactor is no more. Even though we are deeply saddened at the turn of event, we still thank Allah for a life well spent. Adieu,” Folarin tweeted.