Posterity will judge my husband right —Oyo gov’s wife

Wife of the outgoing governor of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi clocked 60 on Friday amid encomiums from dignitaries from all walks of life.

At a grand celebration of the event, Mrs Ajimobi took a look at her husband’s eight years administration in Oyo State and declared that history would be kind to  him.

Taking to podium to give her remarks, the celebrant said she was wowed at God’s favour and faithfulness all her 60 years in life evident in the accomplishments of herself, husband, children and family at large.

Amid criticisms of  the governor over the course of the past eight years, Mrs Ajimobi argued that her husband had greatly elevated the socioeconomic development of the state compared to 2011 when he assumed office, and would be judged right by posterity years after he leaves office.

“God has been so faithful and I marvel and ask why God has so favoured me. I stepped into government house this morning and praised God that my family has been multiplied compared to when we assumed office. Posterity will judge Ajimobi and in a few years, he will be honoured. Amid castigations, his family will continue to stand by him,” Mrs Ajimobi said.

At the event held at Oyo government house, Ibadan, wife of Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo said Nigerians should emulate Florence Ajimobi’s usual expression of love for family, friends, political colleagues, acquintances and less privileged in the society.

Speaking further, Osinbajo said Ajimobi had shown dedication to God through her quarterly prayer gathering of women in the state.

“It only takes God’s grace for one to celebrate one’s 60th birthday. I have been blessed by knowing her. I celebrate you for being full of love and this is worthy of emulation. I celebrate your expression of love. You have also shown that one can be dedicated to God, even in public office through your Women Intercessory Network (WIN) regular prayer gatherings,” Osinbajo said.

The homilist, Pastor Agu Irukwu of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Jesus House), London, said Nigerians can learn from Florence and Abiola Ajimobi’s mixed marriage  and the need to respect one another in the worship of God, regardless of religion.

He added that the Ajimobis’ union was an expression of faith, calling on Nigerians to rededicate their lives to God as the reason for their continued existence.

Irukwu also praised  Mrs Ajimobi for helping the disadvantaged and less privileged persons like orphans, widows, through her ABC Foundation.

In his remarks, Governor Abiola Ajimobi said expressions of gloom by some politicians and associates about the loss of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his Senatorial bid were unnecessary.

Ajimobi who averred that God had been so kind to him being the first governor in the history of the state to rule for eight years, pointed out that the election panned out as destined by God.

He said: “God has been kind to me for making it possible for me to break the second term jinx, and in the last eight years, it is on record that we recorded so many unprecedented feats for which posterity and history makers will be kind to us.

“If you consider the key performance index, we have done well.  It is true that I would have loved to go to the Senate; it is also true that I would have loved to hand over to a successor from my party. But God said No, and who are we to query Him. For what He has done for us, we have many reasons to thank Him.

“As individuals, if we can think deeply on a daily basis, we will know that God has been kind to us. I’m the 27th governor of this state and unarguably the longest serving in the history of Oyo State.

“So, I want people to be happy for us because God has used us to do many things in this state. I therefore want to say to our supporters again that there is no cause for regrets. They should stop ruing or brooding over our questionable loss in the last election.”

Extolling the sterling virtues of his wife of 39 years, the governor described her as an embodiment of godliness and epitome of pure love.

Ajimobi added that his wife’s generosity, philanthropic gestures and warmth had endeared her to people from every stratum of the society who daily describe her in glowing terms and honorifics.

Recalling the story of how they met at a Lagos bank 40 years ago, the governor said it was love at first sight and that he had the inkling that she would be his wife on their first date.

Ajimobi said: “The love I have for my wife is because she is an epitome of pure love; she’s always giving without expecting anything in return; she’s very loving, accommodating, caring, generous, and she has the rare gift of keeping old and new friends, including school mates of over 40 years.

“Flori, you an embodiment of godliness; you are the snow in my winter; you are the USP (unique selling point) of my brand; you are my masterpiece of nature. Ever since we met, you have been making high deposit of love, care and godliness in my life’s bank account; you have been making huge deposit in my emotional bank account. I love today and I will always love you.”

The list of dignitaries at the event included Mrs Bisi Fayemi, Mrs Nkechi Okorocha; wife of Ogun governor-elect, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; wife of former Osun governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola; Oyo deputy governor, Mr Moses Adeyemo and wife, Janet; Speaker of the state Assembly, Honourable Olagunju Ojo; children and family members of the celebrant.

Clergies who led various prayer requests at the celebration included President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Olasupo Ayokunle; Archbishop of the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin and his predecessor, Most Reverend Alaba Job; Pastor Femi Emmanuel; Prophet Micheal Olowere; Apostle Sunday Popoola.