Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, Daughter of Late Oyo Governor, Passes Away at 42 in the UK

The Ajimobi family has once again been struck by tragedy following the passing of Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the eldest daughter of the late former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Bisola, aged 42, passed away in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the United Kingdom after a brief illness. Her untimely death has left her family, friends, and admirers in deep mourning.

Her passing comes less than five years after the loss of her father in June 2020 due to COVID-19 complications, marking yet another profound loss for the prominent Nigerian family. The news was confirmed by Bolaji Tunji, a former aide to the late governor, who told journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, “Yes, it has been confirmed.” He added that the family would provide further details in due course. While the official cause of death has not been disclosed, some reports suggest she may have succumbed to cancer complications, though this remains unverified.

Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi was a distinguished figure for her contributions to business, public service, and philanthropy. Born on March 12, 1983, she had celebrated her 42nd birthday just weeks before her passing. She was the first of five children born to Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Chief Florence Ajimobi, the former First Lady of Oyo State. Beyond her family’s political legacy, Bisola carved out her own path as a successful entrepreneur, dedicated public servant, and compassionate philanthropist.

At the time of her death, she served as the Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, a role that underscored her commitment to economic development and governance. She was also a key figure in Nigeria’s luxury retail industry, serving as the Managing Director of Grandex Nigeria Ltd., a leading FMCG retail and wholesale chain founded in 1984. Additionally, she founded Florence H Luxury Boutique, a high-end fashion outlet named in honour of her mother, showcasing her passion for style and business acumen.

Her educational journey was equally impressive. She began her studies at the British School of Lomé in Togo, where she became fluent in French. She later moved to the United States, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Santa Monica College in California and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from California State University. Her pursuit of excellence took her to the United Kingdom, where she obtained an MBA, and in 2022, she further honed her leadership skills through a Master’s program at Harvard Business School.

On a personal level, Bisola was a devoted wife and mother. She married Kolapo Kola-Daisi, a well-known Ibadan-born politician, bank executive, and son of a billionaire industrialist, on November 6, 2010, in a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria. The couple, who got engaged on November 5, 2010, shared a deep bond and were blessed with three children. Mourning her loss, Kolapo wrote on social media, “The world has lost a shining star. Bisola was not just my wife; she was my partner in everything. Her spirit will live on in our children.”

Beyond her career and family, Bisola was passionate about philanthropy. She founded the AKD Foundation and the AKD Kids Foundation, which are initiatives dedicated to supporting orphans and homeless children in Nigeria. She also played a significant role in the ABC Foundation, a charitable organization established by her mother in Ibadan, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to community development and the welfare of the less privileged.

Her passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from political figures, business associates, and ordinary Nigerians. Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) described her death as “a tragic and painful loss, not just to her family but to Oyo State and the nation at large.” Former Senator Teslim Folarin, a cousin of the late governor, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Bisola was like a daughter to me – her passing has left me with a profound sense of loss.”

Her influence extended internationally as well; she was known to be a close friend of American reality TV star Khloe Kardashian and actress Malika Haqq, reflecting her prominence in global high society.

Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi is survived by her husband, Kolapo, their three children, her mother, Chief Florence Ajimobi, and her siblings. As the Ajimobi family prepares to lay her to rest, her legacy as a trailblazer in business, a dedicated public servant, and a beacon of compassion will live on. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, but her remarkable life and contributions will undoubtedly be celebrated by all who knew her.