“Prince Afonja’s love For Oyo Town Was Unquestionable” – Tegbe Mourns Passing Of Former Minister Prince Ajibola Alarape Afonja

Mogaji Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe, the Oyo South PDP senatorial candidate in the last general election, has mourned the passing of former Minister of Labour and First Bank Chairman, Prince Ajibola Alarape Afonja.

In his message, Tegbe stated that Afonja had left an indelible mark before his demise.

The message reads:

“I received with shock the news of the passing of 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 a role model to many, especially those connected 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 putting smiles on people’s faces. His doors were always open, and his arms were outstretched to help. Without being prompted, he would drive around town, interacting with ordinary people, traders, and artisans to identify with them and support their trades financially and morally. He 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 tremendous national influence, he lived and identified with Oyo Town, shining as a light in the ancient city. He made pioneering efforts as an industrialist by setting up his Integrated Dimensional Systems (IDS) in Oyo. That acronym became his brand name until he passed away.

We are not only consoled that Baba indeed wrote his name in the sands of time but also happy that he is in a better place. It is my prayer that Iya Tawa, the children, the entire Afonja clan, and the people of Oyo at large find the fortitude to bear this deep and irreparable loss.

• Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe“