Celebrations of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s 71st posthumous birthday celebrations continued yesterday, with a novelty match between Akorede Football Club and Idi-Ayunre Football Club, with the former triumphing with two goals.
According to a statement by the media aide to Hon Akande-Sadipe, Olamilekan Olusada, the football match, to commemorate the posthumous 71st birthday of the late and immediate past governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, was graced by family members, friends and associates of the late two-term governor, including his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi; Oyo lawmaker, Seyi Adisa; ALGON Chairman, Abass Aleshinloye; former aides to Governor Ajimobi, and a host of soccer legends, who witnessed the match which held at the Lead-city stadium, Ibadan.
Speaking about the match, the host and member representing Oluyole federal constituency in the federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, stated that the event is her way of celebrating the late governor, who she said was a pillar of support to her political career while he was alive.
Speaking at the event, the former governor’s widow, Dr. (Mrs) Ajimobi commended Hon. Akande-Sadipe for such initiative, which has encouraged the youths and entertained the adults in her constituency.
Ajimobi said, “Nothing is too much to celebrate His Excellency, former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who during his lifetime gave his all to the development of Oyo State, his party and family. We miss him and his legacies.”
The honourable member representing Afijio state constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adisa, said his former boss was fondly called Archipelago, because football was one of the things he wanted to be remembered for.
He said, “Honestly, my former boss deserves a befitting match such as this, being a football nut himself. If my memory does not fail me, he remains the only former governor in this country who played active football in his younger years. Ajimobi played for his alma mater, Lagelu Grammar School.
“Everybody is here to witness the artistic displays by soccer players, as part of activities to celebrate our legendary father and role-model, Senator Ajimobi.”
The event began at 8 a.m with an explosive match between Akorede Local Government team and Idi-Ayunre team, after which Dr. (Mrs.) Ajimobi presented a trophy and cash gift to Akorede football team, winners of the match. The Idi-Ayunre team also received cash reward.
Akorede Football team won with two goals, scored by its attacker, Ibrahim Olatunbosun.
