Ajibola Afonja, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s banking and political spheres, has passed away at the age of 82. The Oyo-born Prince died on Sunday night at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State, according to family sources.
Afonja’s career was marked by significant contributions to both the private and public sectors. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for First Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions. Additionally, he was appointed as the Minister of Labour under the interim government of Earnest Shonekan, further highlighting his influence and dedication to national service.
Beyond his role in banking and government, Afonja chaired the Integrated Dimensional System and numerous other companies, showcasing his versatility and leadership across various industries.
Born and raised in Oyo, Afonja pursued higher education in the United Kingdom. He graduated from Kingston University in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, with a degree in Accounting in 1970. His professional journey began at John Mowlem & Co, a prestigious UK-based construction firm renowned for its work on landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the House of Commons, and London Bridge. Starting as a subsidiary company accountant in 1971, he quickly rose to the position of Group Assets Management Accountant by 1972. He held this role until 1974, when he decided to return to Nigeria.
In Nigeria, Afonja became a pillar of the business community, known for his pioneering efforts as an industrialist. His commitment to economic transformation was evident in his work on the E-Customs project, a visionary initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s customs operations.
The Oyo Global Forum, a socio-political group in Afonja’s hometown, expressed deep sorrow at his passing. Taiwo Adebayo, the group’s chairman, stated, “On this dark day in Oyo, we mourn the loss of Ajibola Afonja. Although a national figure with tremendous influence, he was particularly a 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.”
Known affectionately as “Daddy IDS,” a nod to his manufacturing company, Afonja was celebrated for his hard work and dedication to transformative business projects. Even in his final months, he remained committed to his vision for Nigeria’s economic development.
Adebayo continued, “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 honor 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 Oyo Global Forum extended its deepest condolences to Afonja’s family, the Oyo community, and his friends and associates worldwide. As the community mourns, Afonja’s legacy as a leader, philanthropist, and visionary industrialist will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations.
