Ex-Governor of Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi, has reacted to the death of a foremost agronomist, businessman, philanthropist, and Chairman of University Press Plc, Dr. Lekan Are.
Dr. Lekan died in the early hours of Saturday, at the University College Hospital (UCH), in Ibadan, after a brief illness.
According to Ajimobi, Lekan’s death happened when his counsel was still needed by Oyo State residents and Nigerians.
He added that his legacies will keep living after him because he left indelible prints in the sands of time.
His words, “We however take consolation in the fact that he lived a life of service to the people. He has also left indelible prints in the sands of time.”
“His legacies of good work will continue to live after him. My love for late Dr Are, is not because he was my uncle.”
Ajimobi urged the family to take consolation in the fact that the late Laguna, Bobajiro of Ibadanland and General Manager, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority; lived an exemplary life.
“His contribution to the development of his Alma mater, the Government College Ibadan; where he was a former chairman of the Old Boys Association, is immeasurable.
“His investment in the health sector in Oyo state and Nigeria, are worthy legacies that his family should be proud of.”
“I took after him. He would never deceive you. Whenever you are right, you are right and if you are wrong, he would not hesitate to tell you. There are no two ways to things with him.
“If you are looking for forthrightness, he epitomised it. He didn’t know how to play politics and we need more people like that here for development.”
“I loved him so much because of the relationship I had with him, first, as an uncle and as somebody that loved my father. He transferred that love to me.
“He guided me tremendously in all my activities, even before I became governor. In this, we had always been in agreement and that contributed immensely to the cordial relationship we shared.
“We pray for the repose of his soul.”
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