Florence Ajimobi: Big Smile on Her Face Again

Florence Ajimobi says little in public these days, but the corners of her mouth betray a story of resilience. After years of scrutiny, public spats, and private grief, she seems to have found a rhythm between loss and recognition.

She is the former First Lady of Oyo State and the widow of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. On November 29, 2025, President Bola Tinubu nominated her as a non-career Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one among 32 names forwarded to the Senate. The nomination awaits confirmation.

The journey here has been turbulent. After her husband died in 2020, disputes with the Oyo State Government over his care and burial made headlines. Heated exchanges with Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan and disagreements over Agodi versus Oluyole burial sites played out under public eyes. Each episode tested her resolve.

Even her personal life entered the spotlight. Excerpts from her memoir revealed intimate challenges, including her discovery of her late husband’s extramarital affairs. Media coverage magnified these moments, layering grief with public judgment. Through it all, she maintained a composure few could muster.

Today, the nomination signals a new chapter, positioning her to represent Nigeria abroad, elevating her profile from state-level First Lady to a national envoy. Political leaders from Oyo and beyond have praised the move, seeing it as both recognition and validation of her perseverance.

She continues her local initiatives. The Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre carries on programs in education, civic engagement, and community development, with a mid-December event set to honour her late husband’s legacy. Her presence there blends activism with tribute, a dual rhythm of memory and action.

Her smile now carries layers: remembrance of struggle, acknowledgement of triumph, and the quiet pride of a woman whose agency has been reclaimed. It is both personal and symbolic, a face lifted above controversy, grief, and public speculation.