Gbenro Adesina
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has mourned the death of a former Governor of the state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, describing his death, which occurred today as sad.
Makinde, who has directed that flags fly at half-mast in honour of the deceased, whom he described as a brother, friend and illustrious son of the state said that the ex-governor would be “remembered for his contributions to the development of Oyo State as Governor, especially for taking infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan”.
Also, the House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal constituency, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has described the death of Otunba Alao-Akala, as a huge loss, not just to Oyo APC, but to the Oyo State as a whole.
Akande-Sadipe said this today in Ibadan a statement issued by her Media Aide, Olamilekan Olusada saying, late Alao-Akala was an elder statesman, whose wealth of experience would be missed by all in the State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.
“On behalf of members our great party in Oluyole Federal constituency, I condole with late Chief Alao-Akala’s loved ones, family members and the people of Ogbomosho, on the passing on to glory of our father. This is a big loss to our party. I pray that God would usher his soul into eternal rest and grant the family he left behind fortitude to bear the loss. He will be sorely missed”, she concluded.
In her own statement, Florence, the wife of the immediate past governor of the state, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi expressed deep shock over the sudden death of the former governor, adding that his death came at a time when his experience and advise would be needed.
She said, “It’s with a great sense of loss and grief that I mourn the unexpected passage of His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. He was a patriotic, hardworking, leader in the All Progressive Congress (APC) fold in Oyo State and Nigeria. He was also a great and committed friend of my late husband”.
According to her, Nigeria has lost “an illustrious son, leader and partner in the journey towards building Oyo State of to an enviable status, stressing, “His death is a great loss to Ogbomoso, Oyo State and our country at this time when his wise and sage counsel, calm disposition are critically needed”.
Also reacting to the news of the former governor’s death, Kolapo Kola- Daisi, Oyo South Senatorial aspirant expressed deep shock over the passage of the former governor which he said came suddenly and unexpected considering that he never showed any sign of sickness.
“I even gathered that he watched the football match between Nigeria and Egypt on Tuesday. This is a great lesson to us all. It has shown the greatness of the Almighty God in the affairs of men.
“I share in the grief of his family, his political associates, the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State, who would continue to miss the void he left behind. I know that no words can adequately capture the grief and the pains of the loss, I however pray that the Almighty God console them.
As we all mourn the passing away of this great Nigerian. Let me leave you with the words of Late Nelson Mandela. “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. His Excellency, Otunba Alao-Akala has done his duty to his people and his country. May his soul rest in peace and May the Almighty God grant him a peaceful repose”.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s meeting of the Ajimobi Legacy Forum (ALF) was abruptly terminated with the announcement of the death of the former governor, who was Oyo State Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Committee.
The meeting which was being held in the Oluyole home of late Governor Ajimobi had to be brought to an abrupt end when news filtered to representatives from the seven zones at the meeting.
Chairman and Secretary of ALF, Chief Kunle Sanda and Hon Olugbenga Olayemi described the former governor’s death as a shock at a time that APC was going through a major crisis occasioned by the last dubious State Congress.
“This is a time when his experience would have greatly helped in resolving the crisis in the party. His wise counsel would be greatly missed.”
However, the family of the ex-governor has formally confirmed his death.
According to a statement signed by the first son of the deceased, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, their patriarch died peacefully.
The statement stated, “With humble acceptance of the will of God, we announce the passing of our grandfather, father, husband and leader, His Excellency Otunba (Dr) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, psc, which occurred on Wednesday, 12th January 2022”.
Baba died peacefully in Ogbomosho at the age of 71. Omo Iya Alaro will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace baba. Burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date”, the statement concluded.
It will be recalled that the deceased first wife, Florence Alao-Akala has slated her 70th birthday on January 15, 2022.
The birthday party scheduled to hold in the ex-governor’s residence situated at No. 1, Oba Akinyele Avenue, Awosika, Old Bodija, Ibadan, may be cancelled in honour of the deceased.
