Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the widow of the first civilian governor of the state,Olabisi Onabanjo, Mrs Lucy Onabanjo, as a woman of many parts, whose life and legacy would transcend many generations.
The governor paid this compliment in his congratulatory message to the matriach of the Onabanjo family of Ijebu Ode as she clocked 95 years on Monday.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, praised Mrs Lucy Onabanjo, also describing her “as a woman with a difference, who played less politics but was more interested in her family and husband’s welfare.”
He said she was as a foremost pillar of support for her husband, who suffered a great deal of personal deprivations while struggling to make a name in journalism and politics.
Recall that Chief Onabanjo was a prolific writer who wrote a popular column under the sobriquet, Aiyekooto for many years in the Nigerian Tribune.
Governor Abiodun quoted Mama Lucy Onabanjo telling a journalist in an interview that her husband wasn’t interested in riches but in service to the people, stressing “that was the kind of support that made Papa Onabanjo a reference point in the political history of the progressives in the country today.”
He added Mama suffered a lot of personal deprivations when Pa Onabanjo was always on the move but she kept the homefront and ensured that the children and family didn’t lose track of their career paths.
He noted that at 95, Mama’s voice remained strong “and is still very smart and alert to the environment and had the goodwill of all kinsmen and women; husband’s associates and political children.”
Prince Abiodun said the nonagenarian on her part, “was a great educator who trained a generation of Nigerians now straddle with key leadership positions across the various sectors of the nation’s economy.”
Abiodun prayed that “she lives in good health to continue to support the socio-economic and political development of not only Ogun State, but also the entire country.”
