The Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Abimbola Kolade, has described his relationship with the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi as a close and cordial one, adding that the Governor is like a father to him.

Honourable Kolade made this disclosure in an exclusive interview on the programme “Community Today” on CEOAfrica Television where he discussed about his personal life, professional and political career.

The Commissioner, who had once led the Ministries of Agriculture, Land, and Works under the administration of Governor Ajimobi, said “Governor Ajimobi is my mentor, my benefactor and he is like a father to me. I was encouraged, motivated and inspired by him to go into politics, because like him, I have a strong desire to make the society better.”

Explaining how he was entrusted to serve in three Ministries in the Governor’s first term in office and a fourth Ministry in the Governor’s second term, Honourable Kolade stated that he was appointed commissioners of those Ministries based on merit and his capacity to handle the Ministries.

He said “When I was appointed Commissioner of the different Ministries, I was appointed because my abilities were recognised and apparently suited for the jobs otherwise, I wouldn’t have been appointed.

“Governor Ajimobi is not about patronage and eye service. He believes in ability and merit. He won’t jeopardize his government by appointing a person who can’t deliver. He is a serious minded man who is more interested in standard performance than greasing palms.”

Speaking about the activities of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Hon, stated that “the Ministry is a service ministry that looks after the affairs of the Local Government and coordinate their activities. We also monitor the welfare of traditional rulers and guide their proper appointment in order to ensure peace and stability in the state.

“Our Ministry was involved in the peaceful coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadan. Right now, our Ministry has also opened up about 180 Kilometres of rural roads so as to facilitate easy transportation of farm produce to the city and nearby towns. These are some of our activities.”

The Commissioner, who contested in the 2015 general elections to represent the Oyo Central Senatorial district, hinted that he has not given up on his ambition to represent the state at the federal level, stating that “the future is still open.”

Hon Abimbola Kolade who studied building at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and had his Masters degree in Housing Development at the University of Ibadan, encouraged youths to take charge of their lives and work hard to achieve their purpose stating that “Life doesn’t give you what you deserve, rather, it gives you what you demand.”