Ex-chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Ajibola Afonja has died aged 82 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
A community interest group Oyo Global Forum (OGF) through its chairman Taiwo Adebayo confirmed the death of the former minister of labour.
“On this dark day in Oyo, we mourn the loss of Ajibola Afonja, former Labour Minister and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, who passed away on Sunday night, aged 82,” the group said in a statement.
“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 honour 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.”
The group extended its condolences to his family, the entire Oyo community, friends and associates of the businessman.
Afonja was minister of labour during the interim government headed by Ernest Shonekan.
