Ajasin's wife dies at 94 - Afenifere, govs, others mourn

From Yinka Oladoyinbo, Adewale Ajayi, Olayinka Olukoya and Tope Abiola - 12.03.2008

THE wife of the first civilian governor of old Ondo State, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Babafunke, is dead. She was aged 94.

Chief (Mrs.) Ajasin died in the early hours of Tuesday at the residence of her son, Adesola Ajasin, in Magodo, Lagos State.

The last child of Mrs. Ajasin, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowoshe, confirmed the development to the Nigerian Tribune.

She said her mother would have clocked 94 next month, adding that her corpse had been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) mortuary.

She said she could not speak further as the family would hold a crucial meeting soon.

Leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group which her husband led before his demise, on Tuesday expressed sadness over Mrs. Ajasin’s death.

A chieftain of the group, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, said it was a pity that the woman was no more, describing her as a wonderful woman and a great supporter of her husband.

“It is good she lived a full life, she leaves behind wonderful children,” he said.

Another chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, described her as one of the great women that served the nation.

“She was a supporting personality to her husband, a good Christian. She would be missed,” he said.

Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa described her as a good Christian who brought Christianity into politics and was a great supporter of her husband.

“She was a mother indeed. She was loving and accommodating. She was a great support of the late Pa Ajasin,” he stated.

The Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, described her as a pillar behind the success of her husband while in government.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Yemi Olowolabi, the governor stated that Mrs. Ajasin was a woman of great virtue that would be missed.

According to him, the deceased lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

The senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, has also condoled with the family of Ajasin over the loss of their matriarch.

Olajumoke said “she was a great woman of virtue who was also a pillar of support for her husband in his lifetime. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”

Ogun State governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel, described the death of Chief (Mrs) Ajasin as a big loss to the Yoruba race.

This was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Kayode Samuel, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abeokuta, on Tuesday.

He described her as a good example of womanhood, a stabilising force at the home front and an epitome of humility and selfless service.

“Chief (Mrs.) Ajasin was a pillar of support for her husband all through their married life especially in the turbulent period of Nigerian history and when he was the governor of old Ondo State. She was renowned for her love for and contributions to the development of her community, state and country.

“Mrs. Ajasin, through words and deeds, was a positive role model for the younger generation of Nigerian women. We will all miss her. She was, indeed, one of the matriarchs of the Yoruba race,” he said.

Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, described her as a loving wife and caring mother who supported her husband wholeheartedly in his political career.

Oyinlola, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, said that “she was a committed woman, a philanthropist, who lived a fulfilled, Godly and an enviable life.”

He noted that her husband succeeded in life through the unflinching support and brilliant advice of his wife, whose contributions to the development of the society would be missed.