I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of an elder statesman and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Oyo State, Alhaji Waheed Akin Olajide. He returned to his Creator on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Alhaji Olajide was a quintessential public administrator whose tenure was defined by absolute dedication, hard work, and a great sense of duty. It is no surprise that our late leader, former Governor, Sen. Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi—a man renowned for his uncompromising standard of excellence and his penchant for always assembling the best minds—found him worthy to serve in such a sensitive and demanding office. He delivered on this mandate with distinction, proving himself to be a brilliant and dutiful technocrat whose administrative acumen helped shape the progressive governance of that era.
 
Beyond his exceptional public service, Alhaji Olajide lived a life that was thoroughly worthy of emulation, he dedicated his time and resources to noble causes that transcended politics. He was an educationist, publisher and philanthropist. He was also a devout religious leader and a pillar of the Islamic faith. His sterling leadership qualities were highly evident during his tenure as the former Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Community, where he championed unity and development among the faithful. Even more so, his commitment to religious and societal advancement culminated in his service as the National President of the Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) and later as member of its Board of Trustees (BoT) before his passing. He was a man of integrity who effortlessly combined his professional commitments with a deep devotion to his faith.
 
To his immediate and extended family, I offer my deepest condolences and urge you to 
remain comforted and at peace, knowing that your late patriarch lived a truly fulfilled life. He was a role model to countless individuals, setting high standards of humility, excellence, and service to humanity that remain highly emulable today. Because he meant so much to so many people across various spheres of life, you are not mourning alone. Rather than being weighed down by grief, I encourage the family to celebrate his monumental impact, find strength in his towering achievements, and consciously work together to sustain the great and worthy legacy he has left behind.
 
While we bid farewell to this remarkable public servant and committed Muslim, it is our collective responsibility to keep praying for the repose of his soul. I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his numerous good deeds, and grants him the highest rank in Al-Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, friends, associates, and the entire people of Oyo State the divine fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Alhaji Waheed Akin Olajide was a rare breed of public servant, and his indelible footprints on the sands of time will forever remain a torch for future generations.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Tuesday, September 1 2026.