The former Oyo governor’s widow declined an approach from the Ogun governor during a Lagos memorial event
Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, appeared to decline an attempt by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to engage her during a Night of Tributes for the late businessman Anthony Adeniyi Adeosun in Lagos on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
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A video circulating from the event showed the moment Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, appeared to appeal to Florence Ajimobi to speak with Abiodun, while she maintained her position and did not engage the Ogun governor.
The brief exchange has attracted attention against the backdrop of Nigeria’s often intricate political relationships, where public ceremonies can occasionally provide revealing glimpses into private tensions.
The event was held in honour of Adeosun, the late husband of former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun.
It brought together prominent figures from politics, business and public life to remember a man described by speakers as private, generous and committed to his relationships.
Reports from the tribute described the gathering at Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, as a solemn occasion attended by former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, among other dignitaries.
Florence Ajimobi’s apparent refusal to engage Abiodun therefore stood out as an unexpected moment during an otherwise reflective evening.
Neither Florence Ajimobi nor Dapo Abiodun has publicly explained the exchange, and the available footage does not establish the reason for her decision.
It would therefore be premature to attribute the moment to any particular disagreement.
The incident has nevertheless generated interest because both figures occupy prominent positions within Nigeria’s political establishment.
Florence Ajimobi was married to Abiola Ajimobi, who served as Oyo State governor from 2011 to 2019, while Abiodun has been governor of neighbouring Ogun State since 2019.
Abiola Ajimobi died in June 2020 at the age of 70. He was succeeded politically in Oyo by Seyi Makinde after the 2019 governorship election.
The Night of Tributes itself remained centred on the memory of Anthony Adeosun, with speakers reflecting on his character, relationships and legacy.
An account of the event described Adeosun as a humble, generous and peace-loving man whose relationships extended across political and professional circles.
For those present, the evening offered an opportunity to celebrate his life and console his family. Yet the brief interaction involving Florence Ajimobi and Abiodun became one of the more striking moments captured at the gathering.
The episode also illustrates how seemingly small gestures at public events can become politically significant, particularly when involving well-known figures whose relationships are closely watched.
For now, the reason behind Florence Ajimobi’s apparent snub remains unclear.
Also read: BREAKING: Florence Ajimobi sues social media influencer over alleged defamation
Without a public explanation from either party, the moment is best understood as an observed interaction rather than evidence of a confirmed political dispute.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
