How Former Minister Of Labour Afonja, Dies After Auto Accident
“A former Minister of Labour and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, Ajibola Afonja, has passed away.
According to a family source, the Prince, who hailed from Oyo, breathed his last at the age of 82 on Sunday night at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State.
It is reported that he was taken to UCH after being involved in a solo accident in Ilora, a short distance from his hometown in Eleekara where he later succumbed.
The Oyo Global Forum, a prominent socio-political group, expressed sorrow over Afonja’s demise. Their chairman, Taiwo Adebayo, stated, “Today in Oyo, we grieve the loss of Ajibola Afonja, a former Labour Minister and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria. He passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday night.
“Though a national figure with considerable influence, he shined brightly in the Oyo community, playing a pioneering role as an industrialist. His legacy of kindness and openness impacted numerous lives, and his absence will be deeply felt.
“Up until his final days, known affectionately as Daddy IDS for his manufacturing company, he persevered in his efforts towards a groundbreaking business initiative for the country’s economy, the E-Customs project.
“While his departure creates an irreplaceable gap, his legacy of generosity and leadership will serve as an everlasting inspiration. To honor his memory, we pledge to perpetuate the values he embodied and continue his tradition of service and empathy, principles that guided the Oyo Global Forum and received his support throughout his life.”
The group offered condolences to Afonja’s family, the Oyo community, as well as his friends and associates worldwide during this mourning period.
As per Osun Defender, Afonja served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at First Bank Plc and also held the position of Minister of Labour in Earnest Shonekan’s interim government.
Furthermore, he chaired Integrated Dimensional System and various other companies and earned a degree in Accounting from Kingston University, United Kingdom in 1970.
Upon graduation, he commenced his career at John Mowlem & Co, a renowned UK-based construction company responsible for projects like Buckingham Palace, the House of Commons, 10 Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, the Manchester Metrolink, and the Dublin Port Tunnel.
Starting as a subsidiary company accountant in 1971 and progressing to Group Assets Management Accountant in 1972, he remained in that role for three years before returning to Nigeria in 1974.”
