A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olasunkanmi Tegbe has described the death of former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a huge loss to Oyo State.
Tegbe stated this while commiserating the deceased family and the people of Oyo town in a statement issued by him on Thursday.
“I received with shock, the news of the passing of a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Prince Ajibola Alarape Afonja, an illustrious son of Oyo state and a great Ambassador of Oyo town.
Prince Ajibola Alarape Akano Afonja, an icon, a mentor and role model to many especially those with connection to Oyo town.
He and his lovely wife Ìyá Táwà remained a pillar of support to me. Like many others, I benefited from his wealth of experience and his large heart.
Baba understood the ephemerality of life, and had designated his place of interment for over two decades. This understanding fueled his philanthropy, which is only comparable to that of his bosom friend, the late Aare Arisekola Alao.
Baba Tawa’s hobby was puting smiles in the face of people. His doors were always open, and his arms were outstretched to help. Without being prompted, he would drive round town, interacting with the ordinary people, the traders and artisans to identify with them and support their trades financially and morally. His touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of generosity and open-heartedness.
Prince Afonja’s love for Oyo town was unquestionable. Despite his national stature and national tremendous influence, he lived and identified with Oyo town, and was a shining light in the ancient city. He made pioneering efforts as an industrialist by setting up his Integrated Dimensional Systems (IDS)* Oyo. That acronym became his brand name till he passed on.
We are not only consoled that Baba indeed wrote his name in the sands of time, we are also happy that he is in a better place. It is my prayer that Iya Tawa, the children, the entire Afonja clan and Oyo people at large the fortitude to bear this deep and irreparable loss.
_*Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe*_
