Chief Ebenezer Babatope, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday said he is saddened by the death of former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Babatope, also former Minister of Transportation, gave the reaction in an interview on Thursday.

Ajimobi, a factional leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died on Thursday at 70, after about a month of illness.

Babatope described Ajimobi as a consummate politician, saying he had some personal connection with the former governor.

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“The news of Ajimobi’s death came to me as a rude shock; I am saddened by his demise.

“I know Ajimobi well. His father was a member of the UPN led by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and I was a strong member of that party.

“So, Ajimobi was just like a brother, even though I am a PDP man. I am sad he is gone. He  was such a nice man. His death is painful”, he said.

He prayed to God to grant his soul peaceful repose, and give the family fortitude to bear the loss.