By Prof Sola Adeyeye
It is not how long we live that matters but how well we fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. Biola Ajimobi lived a trail-blazing life. He has taken his own rest.
So many people have forwarded a video to me with a footer about the power of the tongue because Governor Ajimobi spoke about dying at age 70.
Oh foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched thee? (Galatians 3:1).
In the video in which Gov Ajimobi was talking about dying at age 70, he also (with his tongue) talked about dying at 96, and then 100! Does God not allow a person to change his mind? Again, oh foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched thee?
God does not act on the fickleness of human tongues! Otherwise, the world would be in far worse if not total disarray!
When I hear Nigerians bellowing “Amen” as a preacher prays for them to reach age 80, 90, 100, all the way to 120, I always chuckle at the folly of a person who must retire at age 60 praying to live till age 120 in a country where the payment of pension is most epileptic. Foolish Galatians!
Biola Ajimobi was a cherished friend and brother. I am very saddened by his death. I liked his guts. He was a man who called a spade a spade.
Certainly, there were occasions when Ajimobi succumbed to the arrogance of office. The Nigerian political culture makes a demigod of holders of exalted office.
But Ajimobi kept his focus. The good things he did far exceeded his human foibles. He ran the Governor’s office with discipline and decorum.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist, poet and philosopher said: “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
Ajimobi succeeded by leaving Ibadan and Oyo State better than he met them.
Seven gbosa to the Koseleri!
