Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi has described the death of leader of pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, as decimation of the hierarchy of true Yoruba leadership.
The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, said Afenifere, Yoruba and the country at large, have lost “a committed and disciplined leader of repute.”
Although the late Isara Remo-born Yoruba leader passed on at 91 years, the governor described Olaniwun as urbane and affectionate and added that “his modest lifestyle was a lesson in humility despite his accomplishments as a distinguished writer, great Yoruba leader and philosopher.”
The governor recalled that the late leader “proved to be a dependable rallying point when patriots were in the trenches to wrest power from the military, which made him one of the few heroes and heroines of the democracy the country now enjoys. I visited you at Isara Remo in February, to tap from your rich repertoire of knowledge and to drink from your fountain of wisdom.
“But, little did I know that your warm welcome, as you ushered me into the inner recess of your modest home, was a way to bid me farewell.
“You were bubbly, energetic and full of life, with a strength that belies your non-agenarian status. This, definitely, is an attestation to your disciplined and spartan lifestyle. How I wish the young ones of today can emulate your way of life, which was a lesson in path to gerontology, piety, discipline, hard work, modesty, love for humanity, dedication to the course of Yoruba and fear of God. I have no doubt that you fought a good fight and you finished your cause…”