Ex-Oyo Commissioner Ayoola Makanjuola Dies
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE political landscape of Oyo State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Hon. Chief Ayoola Makanjuola Joe, popularly known as Makenson, a veteran Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) politician and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Makenson reportedly passed away on Friday evening, according to community sources and political associates.
A native of Ago-Are in Atisbo Local Government Area, the late politician was a prominent figure in both political and traditional institutions in Oke-Ogun. He previously served as Executive Chairman of Atisbo Local Government and later as Commissioner for Youth and Sports during the administration of former Governor Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.
During his tenure as commissioner, Makenson was widely acknowledged for his commitment to youth empowerment and sports development across the state, earning respect among party leaders, youths, and sports administrators.
Beyond politics, he was a highly regarded traditional leader, holding the titles of Bobagunwa Aare of Ofiki Land and Odofin of Ago-Are, positions through which he championed community development, peace, and unity.
Leaders and residents of Ago-Are, as well as stakeholders across the Oke-Ogun region, have continued to express deep sorrow over his passing, describing his death as a major loss to grassroots politics, traditional leadership, and public service in Oyo State.
Tributes have begun to pour in from political associates, community leaders, and admirers, who remember him as a dedicated public servant and a bridge-builder within his community.