Afonja gave up the ghost on Sunday at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, after a lone accident
By Kehinde Okeowo
A former Chairman of First Bank and ex-Minister of Labour and Productivity under the Interim National Government of Chief Enerst Sonekan, Prince Ajibola Afonja, has passed on.
He died on Sunday at the age of 82 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State.
His demise was confirmed on Monday by the Chairman of Oyo Global Forum, (OGF), Taiwo Adebayo.
According to him, the former minister, a native of Oyo town in Oyo State, sustained injuries from a lone accident he was involved in at Ilora, a few kilometres from his country home.
He was thereafter rushed to UCH in Ibadan where he eventually gave up the ghost.
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He went on to describe the deceased as a community leader and industrialist par excellence, adding that the whole Oyo town will feel the impact of his exit.
While eulogising him, Adebayo said: “On this dark day in Oyo, we mourn the loss of Prince Ajibola Afonja, former Labour Minister and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, who passed away on Sunday night, aged 82. Although a national figure with tremendous influence, he was particularly light for the Oyo community where he made pioneering efforts as an industrialist. His legacy of generosity and open-heartedness touched countless lives, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
“Until his last month, Daddy IDS, as he was affectionately known, as a reference to his manufacturing company, remained hardworking, dedicated to realizing one of the most transformative business visions for the country’s economy. It was the E-Customs project.
“His absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his spirit of generosity and leadership will continue to inspire us. For all of us that he inspired, we shall honor his memory by carrying forward the values he embodied and continuing his legacy of service and compassion, the values that guide OGF, which he supported during his lifetime.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the entire Oyo community, and friends and associates throughout the world during this time of mourning.”
The late Afonja was at a time the senatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Oyo Central Senatorial District.