Michael Adekunle Ajasin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Adekunle Ajasin
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Bust of Ajasin at Adekunle Ajasin University
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| Governor of Ondo State | |
| In office 1 October 1979 – 31 December 1983 |
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| Deputy | Akin Omoboriowo |
| Preceded by | Sunday Tuoyo |
| Succeeded by | Michael Bamidele Otiko |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 November 1908 Owo, Southern Nigeria Protectorate (now in Ondo State, Nigeria) |
| Died | 3 October 1997 (aged 88) |
| Political party | Unity Party of Nigeria |
| Occupation | Politician |
Michael Adekunle Ajasin was an important Nigerian politician. He was born on November 28, 1908, and passed away on October 3, 1997. He served as the governor of Ondo State from 1979 to 1983. He belonged to the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during a time known as the Nigerian Second Republic.
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Early Life and Education
Michael Adekunle Ajasin was born in Owo, Ondo State. This was on November 28, 1908. He went to St. Andrews College in Oyo from 1924 to 1927.
He worked as a teacher for some time. Later, he studied at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, History, and Economics in 1946. After that, he went to the Institute of Education at the University of London. There, he got a Post Graduate Diploma in Education in 1947.
A Career in Education
On September 12, 1947, Ajasin became the Principal of Imade College, Owo. He worked hard to improve the school. He sent teachers to University College, Ibadan for more training.
In 1951, he wrote a paper about education. This paper became the plan for the Action Group party. It suggested that education should be free for everyone. He was one of the people who started this party. The party also wanted Nigeria to become independent from Britain quickly. They also wanted good healthcare and to end poverty.
In December 1962, he left Imade College. He then started Owo High School in January 1963. He was the first principal there until he retired in August 1975.
Family Life
Michael Ajasin married Babafunke Tenabe on January 12, 1939. She was also a teacher. They had four children together, two boys and two girls. One of their daughters, Mrs. Olajumoke Anifowoshe, later became an important legal official in Ondo State.
Political Journey
Ajasin was involved in politics even before Nigeria became independent. In the 1950s, he was a national vice president of the Action Group. He was also elected as a local council member and chairman in Owo.
He was elected to the Federal House of Representatives in Lagos. He served as a federal lawmaker from 1954 until 1966. This was when the military took over the government.
Governor of Ondo State
In 1976, he was the chairman of the Owo local government. When the military government allowed democracy again, he joined the Unity Party of Nigeria. Ajasin was elected governor of Ondo State in 1979. Akin Omoboriowo was his running mate.
Later, Omoboriowo disagreed with Ajasin. He joined another party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He ran against Ajasin in the 1983 elections. Omoboriowo was first announced as the winner. But the result was later cancelled, and Ajasin was sworn in for a second term.
Ajasin stayed in office until December 31, 1983. This was when a military coup brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power.
Achievements as Governor
As governor, Ajasin signed a law in 1982 to create the Ondo State University. This university was in Ado-Ekiti. Today, it is in Ekiti State. In 2000, a new university was started in Akungba Akoko. It was later named Adekunle Ajasin University to honor him. He also opened The Polytechnic, Owo.
Role in NADECO
Ajasin was a leader of the National Democratic Coalition, also known as NADECO. This group worked to end the military government of Sani Abacha. They wanted the government to respect the election results that favored MKO Abiola. In 1995, he was briefly held by the military government. This was because he attended a political meeting with other activists.
