“I came into office in October 1979 with a set of my own rich native dresses and left office in December 1983 with same set of dresses; no addition and no substraction. I had two personal cars at the time I assumed office but left without any: one had ended its serviceable lifespan with its use for the shadow elections in 1982, while the other was borrowed by a political associate with whom it ended up its lifespan.”
The administration of Major General Muhammadu Buhari which took over from the civilian government, went ahead arresting most politicians of that era and putting them on trial before military tribunals. Ajasin was charged twice but discharged and acquitted on both occasions. The junta kept him in jail nonetheless as a septuagenarian.
Born on 28 November, 1908, Ajasin served as governor between October 1979 and October 1983 on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
Credit: Ethnic African Stories
