Controversy has trailed Former Oyo Governor, Abiola Ajimobi ever since the announcement of his critical ailment due to COVID 19. Yet again, his name is in the news even after death.
He was first announced as the Acting National Chairman of the APC party, as a replacement to Adams Oshiomole, despite his critical condition. This spurred on raised eyebrows from Nigerians, with many questioning how a sick person could lead. He was later replaced with then Acting Chairman, Hilliard Etta. Soon after, it was rumoured that he was dead, with politicians quickly reporting that such rumours were false and with the confirmation of his death and burial, remarks made by his wife, Florence Ajimobi are making headlines.
Following his burial over the weekend, a viral video that made rounds on the internet revealed a bereaved Florence in her residence accusing the incumbent Oyo State Government of playing politics with her husband’s death.
All these attempts to victimize Seyi Makinde for doing the right thing. Sigh
You don't expect a Governor to sacrifice 48 plots of land to the family of Ajimobi at the expense of the people just because you want him to make you feel good.— Premier (@SodiqTade) June 28, 2020
In the video, she states that during her late husband’s ailment, none of the current Oyo State officials called her or checked on the family. Directing her remarks to the Oyo State Deputy Governor, she declares that these actions were unfair considering the number of years her husband had spent serving the state.
There already seemed to be palpable tension between the incumbent Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the late Ajimobi, his predecessor. In February 2020, it was reported that Ajimobi had sued the Makinde-led government for revoking his landed properties at the Agodi Government Reservation Area in Ibadan. The State Government had specified that Ajimobi had violated the Land Use Act, Ajimobi had however died before a verdict could be given on the case.
Nigerians had reached for social media with a lot to say concerning the viral video and the remarks that followed. Many claimed that Florence Ajimobi was insolent in the way she had addressed the Deputy Governor and the government in the video. They claimed that she was not owed anything, and was the one culpable for making her husband’s death political.
Imagine Florence Ajimobi was someone else and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State was Abiola Ajimobi. Who dares talk to Constituted Authority in that manner? Seyi Makinde just has good heads around him.
— Ogunwoye Samson (@SamsonOgunwoye) June 29, 2020
Mrs Florence Ajimobi addressing the deputy governor of Oyo state.
I think she did wrong talking to the DG asuch. No body owe her any visit & to speak with so much profinity is way too low.
She chose to make her husband's death political & should not blame anybody. pic.twitter.com/CMhINKhrXV
— Komrad Àbámí Èdá, Ph.D (Affidavit) (@KomradePhd) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/AdelajaAdeoye/status/1277286228484857856
Many also threw jabs at the widow saying she reportedly went ahead to open her multiplex shop despite grieving her husband; labelling it a shoddy move, while reports are emerging on what may have been the cause of the delayed burial and outburst by Ajimobi’s widow.
https://twitter.com/quinbeemodellar/status/1277552825309048834
https://twitter.com/Kunle2405/status/1277442370871726080
The Ajimobis know what they are doing. Trying to employ emotional blackmail to secure a land that was illegally acquired.
I hope Seyi Makinde will not allow himself to be blackmailed into unlawfully aiding the Ajimobis.— 4,4,4 is a Metaphor (@30sthenewtwenty) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/Tutsy22/status/1276951998030626816?s=19
Some agreed with Florence’s actions and called the Oyo State Government out on their actions. They declared it was unfair for them to not have shown care and concern and that it was ridiculous that the Oyo State Governor, Makinde was yet to pay a condolence visit to the family of the bereaved.
Whoooops!!!
Just saw a video of Dr Florence Ajimobi showing her displeasure with the Oyo State Government in the presence of the Dep. Governor about the Governor or his team not reaching out to her to sympathise.
After serving a state for 8years? SM can do better please.
— Bashorun Imoleayo Kongi (@lightdworld) June 28, 2020
SanwoOlu came all the way from Lagos, Ganduje all the way from Kano but @seyiamakinde within Ibadan can't visit the family of the Ajimobi because of politics, smh pic.twitter.com/md7K1do6Tp
— Jerry Durojaiye (@kokomatic) June 28, 2020
However, the deceased’s wife claims that her husband has no issue with the state in spite of their varying political views and that people were trying to tarnish his image.
