Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Wednesday, abruptly ended the 2022 inter-faith prayer service, organised by the state civil service, following the receipt of the news of the death of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
The governor, who was shocked with the sad news, did not read the speech he had prepared for the service.
Makinde, who called for a minute silence for the late politician who was governor between 2007 and 2011, after having earlier served as deputy governor from 2003 to 2007, prayed God to grant repose to his soul.
He said: “I am here with the speech prepared for this event, but I have just been informed about the death of a former governor of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.”
The governor condoled with the immediate family members of Alao-Akala, all residents of the state and political associates over the demise of the former governor.
“I pray God to grant his loved ones and all his well-wishers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
The inter-faith prayer service was organised by the state government to usher the state civil servants into the New Year.
Alao-Akala was reported to have died in his sleep on Wednesday morning after his return from a trip to Abuja.
Makinde immediately directed the gathering of civil servants, political appointees and religious leaders at the event to observe a one-minute silence in honour of Alao-Akala.
He prayed God to grant his (deceased) loved ones and all his well-wishers the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Alao-Akala family, the government and people of Oyo State on the passing of Alao-Akala.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), reads:
“As a former police officer and civilian governor with an extensive political career, the President affirms that Otunba Akala served the country and the people of Oyo State with dedication, making very important contributions to the development of institutions and communities.
The President trusts that family, friends and associates who mourn the late Governor, will honour his vision of entrenching good governance in the country and passion to lift the downtrodden in the society.
The President prays God almighty to grant the departed eternal rest and comfort those who mourn.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described Alao-Akala as a political stabiliser.
Sanwo-Olu said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
He said that the death of Alao-Akala, was a great loss to his family, the people of Oyo State, particularly sons and daughters of Ogbomoso and Nigeria as a whole.
Alao-Akala died in the early hours of Wednesday at 71.
He commiserated with Makinde, as well as leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) both at the state and national level over the demise of the party’s apex leader in Oyo State.
According to him, Alao-Akala’s shocking demise has opened a deep sore in the hearts of the people of Oyo State and Nigerians, who look up to him as a rallying point and a political stabiliser.
The governor also sympathised with the deceased’s family, urging them to take heart, as the former governor’s service to the people of Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole would remain enduring legacy.
”On behalf of the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with my brother, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, people of Oyo State, the deceased family, friends and political associates on the death of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.
”The passage of Otunba Alao-Akala hurts me because of the critical role he is playing in Oyo APC before his demise. My heart was filled with grief when I was informed about his death.
”Otunba Alao-Akala was more than a politician. He was a man of many parts, whose managerial skills and experience are required at this critical period in our national life, especially in our party, APC, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
”He served Oyo State passionately first as a Deputy Governor and later as Governor. He did his best in contributing his quota to the growth and development of Ogbomoso as council chairman, as well as Oyo State as a Governor.
”He also made his mark in the Nigerian Police where he retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1995 before venturing into politics,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said that the death of loved ones was usually one of the most painful episodes in peoples’ lives but all must realise that death is inevitable, as all would die someday.
”I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and grant the family and the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in a condolence letter to Alao-Akala’s wife, Oluwakemi, said:
“I received with shock the news of His Excellency, Chief Christopher Alao Akala’s passage.
“Chief Akala was a friend, confidant and one with whom I maintained a close relationship until his death. He was with me a few months ago where we shared fundamental discussions and ideas on how to move our country forward and sat together a few days ago to honour one of our great friends at 70.
“I had looked forward to returning the visit to his Ogbomosho residence early this year.
“A consummate grassroots politician who gave his all to his state, Chief Akala was a leader who sought for the betterment of his people, and this is evident in the love and adoration showered on him by the people, both in Ogbomoso and Oyo State as a whole.
“I also commiserate with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde who has lost two of his predecessors in quick succession.
“I will miss my friend, and Oyo State will miss her hardworking Governor.
“Please accept the heartfelt condolences of Yeye and myself.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng,
Governor of Ogun State (2003-2011)”.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State described the death as a rude shock.
Alao-Akala died on Wednesday morning in his country home, Ogbomoso.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Wednesday in Osogbo, said he was pained and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Oyo political leader and chieftain of APC.
The governor commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Makinde, government and people of the state, the Alao-Akala family and political associates over the unfortunate incident.
Oyetola, who described Alao-Akala’s death as a personal loss, said that the deceased was a good friend of Osun, who was always ready to identify with the government and celebrate its humble accomplishments.
The governor recalled the laudable role that the deceased played during the resolution of the age-long battle between Oyo and Osun over the joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso and the gracing of the state’s 30th anniversary banquet and awards in 2021.
He noted that the late Ogbomoso-born politician was an unassuming elder statesman and seasoned political leader, whose reputation was worth emulating.
“On behalf of my family, government and people of Osun, I commiserate with the family of late Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, his political associates, friends as well as the governor, government and people of Oyo State.
“I pray God to grant him eternal rest and watch over the family and the loved ones he left behind,” Oyetola said.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State also condoled with the Government and people of Oyo State.
Bello, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed on Wednesday in Lokoja, said that Alao-Akala made an indelible mark in governance.
He described the death of Alao-Akala as a great loss to Oyo State, where he made huge contributions to governance and development.
“He served the state meritoriously, contributing to all sectors. He saw the need in improving the various sectors and put the facilities in proper shape during his tenure.
“Otunba Alao-Akala will surely be missed by the people of the state. I pray the Almighty God to grant him a peaceful rest in the world beyond,” Bello stated.
The Kogi governor also sympathised with friends, relatives and allies of the former governor, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the death of Alao-Akala.
Extolling the virtues of the deceased in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi said the late Alao-Akala was a colourful politician, pragmatic leader and a man of the people in and out of office.
Fayemi said he was shocked by the death of the former governor, noting that he was in his usual high spirit during their last meeting and did not bear any sign of illness.
The Ekiti State Governor described the late Alao-Akala as an apostle of politics without bitterness and a leader whose interaction, influence and network cut across political divides.
He noted that Alao-Akala played a prominent role in ensuring peace returned to the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as inter-party harmony in the State.
According to Fayemi, the late Otunba Alao-Akala’s life was defined by service to the people first as a police officer, rising to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, and later as a politician, public servant and elder statesman whose doors were always open to the common man.
He said the demise of the late Oyo State helmsman amounted to a double blow for the people of Ogbomosho, his home town, who were still mourning their monarch, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, who passed barely one month ago.
Fayemi hailed Alao-Akala’s achievements as Chairman of Ogbomosho North Local Government, and later as Oyo State Deputy Governor before Governor, adding that the deceased left legacy projects across the length and breadth of the Pacesetter State and was famous for empowering the youths, women and the poor during his tenure.
“Otunba Alao-Akala’s death came as a shock. We shall miss his amiable personality, wittiness and dynamism.
“On behalf of my wife, Bisi, the Government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State, members of Alao-Akala family, his political associates and pray that God would grant him eternal rest,” the statement added.
Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu, expressed sadness over the death of Alao- Akala.
Kalu, who described the late former Governor as a compassionate politician and philanthropist of repute, stressed that the deceased sustained large political followership in Oyo State , owing to his humility and large heart, adding that the late politician will be greatly missed by family, friends and associates.
While commiserating with the government and people of Oyo state, Kalu urged the Akala family to uphold the good deeds of their late patriarch.
In a condolence message, Kalu prayed to God to repose the soul of Akala.
He said, “I received with a heavy heart the news of the passing of former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao- Akala.
” The deceased was a consummate politician and philanthropist, who was committed to the growth and progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“Having served in various positions in the public sector, he contributed to nation building in various capacities.
” His remarkable legacies will continue to speak for him.
“I join the people of Ogbomoso in mourning the passing of their illustrious son” .
The former Governor urged the Akala family to take solace in the fact that the late politician lived a fulfilled life.
Also, family of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi described the death of Alao-Akala as a great loss to the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State.
This is contained in a statement signed in Ibadan on Wednesday by Idris Ajimobi, son of the late former governor.
Ajimobi defeated Alao-Akala during the 2011 governorship election in the Pacesetter State.
The late Ajimobi’s son described the former governor as a role model, saying that he would forever be remembered for his sustained strong will to succeed.
“He sustained the legacy of helping to support concerned parties in the execution of policies, programmes, strategies and responses to any emerging trend in the national as well as global economies.
“He was a unifying force for the nation. His contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Oyo State, as well as Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
“In all circumstances, he lived and died nobly. He was an achiever,” he said.
Ajimobi commiserated with the Alao-Akala Family, the state government and the good people of the state on the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of myself and family, our sympathies go to you and the entire members of your family as well as to the government and the good people of Oyo State.
“It is our prayer that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and comfort all those he left behind,” he said.
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, expressed deep sadness over the death of Alao- Akala, describing it as a huge loss to Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria.
According to a statement sent by the Minister who is reportedly on his way back from the African Nations in Cameroon, he said it was really difficult to accept the reality of the news of someone as close to him as Alao-Akala was.
“I received the news of the death of my elder brother, astute political statesman and former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao- Akala, with a huge sense of loss, shock and pain. His death not only came suddenly, but quite devastating. He was like a big brother to me, so his death has robbed me of a dear one who was so passionate about the development of Ogbomosho, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.”
The Minister further stated ” His death is a huge loss not only to the family, but especially Ogbomosho, a place he loved and lived for. His death has created a huge vacuum in our political space. Coming at a time when his political sagacity and clout was most needed makes it such a monumental loss.
May God console his family, his political associates and the people of Oyo state on the demise of this great personality.
A member of the National Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Prince Kunle Oyewumi, also lamented the passing of Alao-Akala.
Describing the demise of the late former Governor as a huge loss to Oyo State and Nigeria, Oyewumi acknowledged the contributions of the deceased to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
He stressed that the notable political figure would be greatly missed by the people of Ogbomosoland and environs.
In a condolence message, Oyewumi, who was one-time Special Adviser during the regime of the former Governor, prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the people of Ogbomoso the fortitude to bear the loss.
He said, “The demise of former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, is a huge loss to the country.
“Having served meritoriously in various positions in the political space, the late politician contributed immensely to nation building.
“The late former Governor was compassionate, urbane and kind-hearted.
” His memories will remain evergreen.
“He supported me in many ways.
It is a personal loss” .
The Ogbomoso Prince prayed to God to grant the Akala family peace and strength during this period of grief.
