The Oyo State Police Command has clarified that calm has been restored in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities following a false alarm that triggered rumours of a bandit attack around Are-Ago High School and Ajaawa.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command said it swiftly deployed patrol and surveillance teams to the affected areas to verify the report and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
According to the statement, officers met with the school principal, Mrs Ruth Akanbi, who explained that the panic started after students claimed they saw unfamiliar individuals behind the school fence, raising suspicion among teachers and students.
The fear reportedly spread quickly beyond the school, with unverified information circulating among neighbouring schools and communities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals were an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ilorin, accompanied by two civilians in a Toyota Venza SUV.
They were said to have visited a female acquaintance to celebrate her birthday.
The statement added that an altercation involving some teachers further heightened suspicion before NSCDC authorities later confirmed the officer’s identity.
The police command stressed that there was no bandit attack or security breach and warned residents against spreading fake news capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.
The Oyo State Police Command has appealed to residents of Oko Town to remain calm and continue their lawful activities despite rumours of a planned bandit attack on schools in the town.
The spokesperson for the command, Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, made the appeal during a telephone interview with Radio Nigeria while reacting to the reports circulating within the community.
Mr Ayanlade disclosed that some individuals allegedly spreading the false information in Oko and neighbouring communities have been arrested.
He urged residents to report anyone caught spreading fake news to law enforcement agencies for prompt action.
Radio Nigeria gathered that several primary and secondary schools in Oko Town closed around noon after rumours of the planned attack spread across the town.
Concerned parents and guardians reportedly rushed to schools to withdraw their children and wards following the panic triggered by the false reports.
Traders at Oko Market also hurriedly closed their shops after seeing large numbers of students returning home.
However, Ogbomoso, where the rumour was said to have originated, remained peaceful when Radio Nigeria visited the town.
Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, were also seen writing their examinations without disruption.
Teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Monday staged a protest over the abduction of some of their colleagues and students by suspected bandits last Friday.
The protesters, who marched through major streets in Ogbomoso carrying placards with various inscriptions, demanded the immediate release of the victims and improved security across schools in the area.
During the protest, the teachers chanted solidarity songs and expressed frustration over the growing insecurity.
Photo Credit: BBC News Yoruba
“No Teacher, No Nation,” “We Are Nation Builders, Stop Killing Us,” “We Need Peace,” “We Are Not Criminals,” “Free Our Principal,” and “Free Our Colleagues.”
Speaking during the protest, some of the teachers said the demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of relevant authorities to the plight of the abducted victims and the urgent need to secure their release.
They, however, assured parents and students that academic activities would continue, noting that candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would be allowed to sit for their remaining papers without disruption.
The protest followed last Friday’s attack by suspected bandits on some schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during which some teachers and students were reportedly abducted during school hours.
A four-classroom building at Ogbomoso Grammar School, has collapsed following a heavy downpour.
Radio Nigeria gathered that, the structure gave way during a rainstorm that lasted about an hour last Thursday.
A teacher at the school, who requested anonymity, confirmed that no casualties were recorded.
According to the teacher, the building had been dilapidated and abandoned for some time due to its poor condition.
It was also gathered that the downpour affected several schools across the Ogbomoso geopolitical zone, damaging parts of the infrastructure in Oyo State.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has stated that his administration would continue to serve the people of the state and cater to the welfare of workers across different sectors.
He stated this in Ogbomoso while meeting with professional bodies at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, over the ongoing industrial action by the bodies.
Governor Makinde, after listening to the demands of representatives of different bodies at the teaching hospital, announced immediate measures aimed at addressing the situation, including the plan to immediately constitute a Governing Council for the hospital, approval of a monthly stipend of ₦80,000 for 65 non-staff security personnel working at the hospital while instructing that they should be integrated into the hospital’s system as adhoc staff.
The governor also announced an increase in the monthly subvention to the hospital by N35m to ease operational challenges.
Other measures announced by the governor included the approval of the payment of accumulated promotion arrears totaling ₦219 million, which is to be disbursed in three equal installments in October, November, and December 2025, and a promise to offset the arrears of the new minimum wage, covering the period from January to August 2025, in three tranches, also payable from October to December 2025.
The governor equally highlighted steps that the government would take to bring about long-term resolutions of the crisis and bring lasting solutions to the institution’s challenges, adding that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo would be completed before the end of his administration in 2027.
He stated that some demands involving the review of salary structures would be addressed by the Governing Council of the hospital once it is put in place, adding that the demands raised by students of Nursing would also be addressed.
He noted, however, that workers must also recognise the paramount need to develop the infrastructure of the state and ensure that it is liveable for residents and the coming generations, hence the need for those in government to manage resources with a view to ensuring a balance in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“I want to call your attention to something very important. This is extremely important. It is not only here at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital; it is something that Nigeria, as a country, is still struggling with. Yes, welfare, looking after your people, that is the work of your government. You put people in government so that they can look after you; so that they can ensure that people’s welfare is well taken care of.
“But the government must be able to manage your resources in such a way that you are not seeing just your generation; that you are not seeing just the next election, but you can see to the welfare of the next generation.”
The governor added, “As an administration, we have dared to be different. We know that we have to stimulate economic activities such that a lot of people, by just having infrastructure in place, can take themselves out of poverty. We have limited resources as a government, but we have been developing our infrastructure.
“As an administration, we will look at those requests and some of them will be addressed here. But, when you are mining your data, kindly note that liveability is a big issue for me. Let us look at what we can do, but having a livable environment, an environment where you can feel safe and secure, is also an indispensable function that the government must perform. As an administration, we have been looking at almost all sides.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said Governor Makinde’s desire to ensure that all residents stay healthy was behind his decision to visit LAUTECH Teaching Hospital to address the challenges facing the institution.
In his speech, the Acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Olawale Olakulehin, expressed gratitude to the governor for his visit and for increasing subvention to the hospital, describing him as a listening governor and an embodiment of kindness, compassion and love for the institution.
In their separate remarks, representatives of professional bodies and students such as the Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU; Nurses and Midwives; Nursing and Medical students, appreciated Governor Makinde’s efforts over the institution appealing to him to improve welfare and infrastructure in the hospital.
Governor Makinde, who was later at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, announced that his administration would soon embark on the reconstruction of inner roads of the town.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye had lauded the governor for his administrative style, saying he has done so many things to move the state forward and has made governance look easy.
To boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security, the Oyo State Government has commenced a four-day training programme for 140 youth farmers on tractor driving and mechanized farming practices.
The initiative, launched across the state’s three agricultural zones, Ibadan/Ibarapa, Oyo/Ogbomoso, and Oke-Ogun simultaneously is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Declaring the programme open for Ibadan/Ibarapa at the Ido local government, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, emphasized the present government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and rural development.
He noted that the training was designed to equip participants from both rural and urban areas with practical knowledge in tractor operations, safety protocols, preventive maintenance, and mechanized farming techniques.
Mr Olaleye urged the participants to approach the programme with dedication and professionalism, stressing that the future of food production in the state depends on a skilled and motivated agricultural workforce.
Some of the participants in an interview expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity, promising to apply the skills learnt to improve their farming practices and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector.
The training is part of the government’s broader efforts under the Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, which focuses on boosting productivity, reducing unemployment, and ensuring long-term food security through modern agriculture.
Thieves have robbed some victims of a road accident that occurred in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Some travellers were reportedly involved in a road accident that occurred at Oolo in Ogbomoso on Monday night.
It was learnt that the bus was coming from Oore in Ondo State before the accident occurred at Oolo.
It was gathered that some of the victims were rushed to hospitals.
One of the victims identified as Olabisi Toluwani is currently at the Accident and Emergency Unit of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso.
The head of the Public Relations Unit of the hospital, Omotayo Ogunleye confirmed the development on Tuesday.
He however said that the families of the victim have not been traced as at the time of filing this report.
He said, “This is Olabisi Toluwani who is currently at the Accident and Emergency Unit of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
“She had an accident yesterday night at the Oolo axis en route to Ogbomoso after which all the occupants of the vehicle were robbed of their valuables (including their mobile phones) at the accident scene.
“She was said to be coming from Oore when the accident happened. Please kindly help send this information out with the ultimate aim of reaching out to her family members.”
Tragedy struck in Ogbomoso on Tuesday as a container-laden truck lost control and fell on a commercial tricycle, claiming three lives.
It was gathered that the articulated vehicle lost control while navigating a bend at Takie junction, causing the container to topple and crush the tricycle.
Two female passengers and the tricycle rider were killed in the accident.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to remove the container from the road to avert further accidents and restore traffic flow in the area.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the affected section of the road.
Prince Afolabi Ghandi Laoye has been installed as Soun of Ogbomosoland early Friday morning.
Ghandi, a pastor and international businessman arrived Ogbomoso early Friday morning in a private chopper and landed at Ogbomoso grammar school from where he proceeded to the palace.
He was at the palace for official installation which was performed at Abata by the kingmakers led by the Areago, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin.
The kingmakers while speaking said they did not receive any court Injunction restraining them from installing Ghandi as Soun of Ogbomoso.
He is billed to commence the traditional rites soon.
The new Oba is proclaimed His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.
The position of Soun of Ogbomoso became vacant as a result of the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Soun Ajagungbe.
It will be recalled that the Oyo state High court in Ogbomoso on Thursday restrained the governor, the Attorney General of the State and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters either by themselves, agents or officials from presenting any instrument of office in any form of ceremony or issuance of certificate of installation to Olaoye until the final determination of the mandatory injunction already filed before the court.
Radio Nigeria reports that some members of the family were opposing the approval, they argued that he was not part of the process right from the beginning and he shouldn’t be crowned against their wish but the Mogaji of Laoye family, Prince Olaoye Amos Olawole (JP) said Ghandi is a recognized son of the family and is entitled to the throne.
Beneficiaries of farm assets materials from the Oyo State government have lauded the Governor Seyi Makinde-led government for assisting them with needed materials that will enhance their food production.
The smallholder farmers in Ogo Oluwa and Afijio Local Government Areas of Oyo State, comprising genuine local farmers and the Nasarawa-trained Youth in Agribusiness Programme, YEAP gave the commendation while receiving farm assets materials from the state government.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with journalists in their separate remarks could not hide their feelings as they all commended the state government over the intervention project.
In Afijio Local Government Secretariat at Jobele, no fewer than ten poultry farmers went home with ten bags of feed for their birds, while 20 went home to their various homes with knapsack sprayers and farm protection kits.
Also, the Director of Agric of the local government in Ogo-Oluwa, Prince Bello Ajibola after the distribution of pumping machines, knapsack sprayers, and farm kits at Ogo Oluwa Local Government Secretariat, Ajawa, Ogbomoso, thanked Governor Makinde for the intervention.
Prince Ajibola said the beneficiaries should see the development as an avenue to do more for their immediate communities by providing more food for society.
The Oyo State Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, (Oyo N-CARES) Project under Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) in the last few weeks have commenced the distribution of farm assets to farmers that were negatively affected by Covid-19 to mitigate the effect of the pandemic.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged the support of his administration for the smooth take-off of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Ogbomoso, saying that, education is a top priority of his administration.
The governor, who stated this while receiving members of the Institution’s Governing Council, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said that he was ready to approve the release of the Government Technical College, Ogbomoso as a temporary site for the take-off of the Institution.
Governor Makinde explained that education is one of the central pillars of his administration and that he has done a lot for the sector.
He assured the Governing Council that the government would deploy the State Security outfit, Amotekun Corps to ensure the school operates in a safe and secure environment while it will also engage with federal agencies on the issue of security.
Earlier, the pioneer Chairman of the Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Professor Dakas James said following the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede the management of the Institution has been working assiduously to ensure its take-off.
He noted that the governor was the chief facilitator of the establishment of the Institution which remains one of the outstanding landmark achievements of his administration.
He equally sought the assistance of the state to put necessary facilities in Ayede Community for the easy take-off of the Institution.
The entire Ogbomoso Oyo State agog as hundreds of All Progressives Congress, APC members in the zone stormed the ancient town embarking on a procession Tagged Tinubu-Shetima rally.
The political procession which took off at the Randa residence of the late Adebayo Alao-Akala was terminated at Oja Igbo.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, Adedayo aAdelowo reports that party stalwarts and other faithful participated in the walk.
Speaking on the importance of the political rally, APC chairman in Oyo State, Isaac Omodewu said the rally was to stress the readiness of the party to clinch presidential and governorship seats come 2023.
Expressing confidence in the strength of the party, the governorship candidate, Senator Tesilim Folarin explained that the party had done all the necessary consultations, noting that the rally was just to flex muscles and to display the overwhelming acceptability of the party in the zone.
The member representing Ogo Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency, Mr.Segun Odebunmi, who is contesting to return to the National Assembly maintained that the good works of the party would definitely secure victory at all levels.
In separate interviews, a member Oyo State House of Assembly, Wunmi Oladeji Olamiju Alao-Akala, and Adesoji Adegoke said the APC was on the ground to bring meaningful development to Oyo State and Nigeria.
Adedayo Adelowo
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Following the destruction of Aaduin bridge in Katangua area of Ogbomoso by flood on Friday 14th October, 2022, the Lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Olawumi Oladeji has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to direct the State Ministry of Works and Transport and other relevant agencies to put machineries in place towards reconstructing the bridge.
Hon Oladeji made the appeal Tuesday while presenting a Matter of Urgent Public Importance before the State Assembly on the damaged bridge and others like it across Oyo State.
According to Hon Olawumi Oladeji, the Aaduin bridge serves as the only link between Katangua and other parts of Ogbomoso as well as Jabata and other villages.
She noted that the damaged bridge which has been in use for the past 35years has practically paralysed socioeconomic activities in Ogbomoso.
“Rainfall this year has been unusually heavy inline with earlier predictions by weather forecasts for the year 2022. This has resulted expectedly in the collapse of some infrastructures including roads and bridges.
” As a result of the destruction of this bridge, the people of Katangua have been isolated and their socioeconomic activities practically paralysed ” Hon Oladeji said
The APC Lawmaker also urged the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to direct Ogbomoso North Local Government under whose jurisdiction the Aaduin river is situated to provide any palliative measure for the people to ameliorate the untold hardship they are currently experiencing.
While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for his approach to the development of infrastructure in the State, Hon Olawumi Oladeji enjoined the State Government through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and other relevant agencies to urgently attend to other similar roads and bridges damaged by rainstorm across the State.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has declared that his administration will continue to sustain the religious, and ethnic harmony being enjoyed in the nooks and crannies of the state.
The governor, who stated this while hosting Muslim faithful to Iftar at the Presidential Lodge of Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, said the state would not allow anyone to create religious disharmony between Muslims and Christians in the state.
He called for citizens’ participation in government business adding that if anyone observes mistakes of government, he or she should call his attention to such mistake and would be promptly looked into and corrected.
Governor Makinde also pledged to address contending issues raised by the Muslim community about the management of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), adding that he is satisfied with the work of both the commissioner and permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education.
“In Oyo State, the spirit between Christians and Muslims shows that no one can succeed in creating religious disharmony in our midst. I will say once again that despite being the governor, I am not the richest, wealthiest or all-knowing. It was only the will of God that came to pass, which brought me here.”
“So, what this means is if you observe the government is making a mistake, point it out genuinely to us and we will look at it together. There are some people who are hell-benton spreading fake news to cause disaffection in the public. I can assure everyone that we will not shy away from correcting any mistake we are making. If whatever decision we take is wrong, we will correct it. So, I beg you to always call our attention to whatever mistake you think we are making.”
“I have also noted what you said you observed about TESCOM. Most times, I try to balance things out but in certain instances, I try to look at what some people have to offer our government. The Commissioner for Education and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry are both Muslims. They are doing what is expected of them and I am happy with them.”
“I was reviewing some of the things we have done and I have seen instances where a Muslim was pushing for balancing in a particular area. So, since the issue of TESCOM is a concern to the Muslim community, we will address it. There is religious and ethnic harmony in Oyo State despite the confusion some elements are trying to create for us.”
“When the clash at Sasa happened, it would have snowballed into a serious crisis that would have even consumed Nigeria if God had not taken control. So, I want us to be circumspect. If anything bad wants to happen to Nigeria, it will begin from South West, particularly Ibadan.”
“Let me remind us that “Operation Wetie” started here and gradually snowballed into civil war and we are still battling the challenge till today because it was the civil war that led to the over-centralisation of power at the federal level.”
“Also, the restructuring we have been clamouring for can be traced back to all these past events. So, when some people think they can create confusion and cause disharmony so that they can take over power by force, sometimes, generation yet unborn can later suffer from the outcome of such act.”
Earlier, in their separate goodwill messages, representatives of the Imam and Alfas, from Ibarapa, Okeogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibadan, commended Governor Makinde for being fair and just to all religions.
A yet to be identified woman has been crushed to death by a petrol laden tanker at Takie area of Ogbomoso.
The tanker was said to have suffered brake failure.
A park manager, Mr Opeyemi George, who witnessed the unfortunate incident said that the trailer ran into a ditch due to brake failure.
Mr. Judge who said the driver of the tanker took to his heels immediately he noticed he had crushed a woman said the accident occurred around twenty minutes past one on Friday afternoon.
As at the time of this report there is traffic gridlock at Takie junction of Ogbomoso as onlookers urged the government of Oyo state to find an alternative route for heavy trucks plying the road.
The victim is yet to be removed from the grip of the tanker.
The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Imam Toliah Ayilara has thrown his weight behind the call for zoning presidency to the southern part of the country ahead of the 2023 general election.
The cleric stated this in an interaction with Radio Nigeria.
The cleric who noted that power had remained in a region for too long said it was better to shift it to the southern part of the country to make others feel like a part of the country
“Justice is Islam and Islam is justice, I will not but support the presidency of southwestern agenda. A region has served for eight years, if we insist that the presidency should remain in the north, the other geo-political zones will feel neglected and marginalised. In order to make sure nobody feels neglected I appeal to the who is who and those at the corridors of power to make sure they relinquish the power to have a balance in the polity” Imam Ayilara said.
Also, speaking ahead of the much anticipated 2023 general election, Imam Ayilara while noting that the election would be decisive in the fate of the nation implored the electorate to ensure that people of high integrity were elected.
The Ogbomoso chief Imam reeled out qualities to be expected in any would-be president including integrity, sincerity, and overwhelming human feeling.
“The 2023 election is fast approaching and we must play our part to make sure that we have a peaceful election so that people of high integrity will emerge and sit in the corridors of power.
“If you want to vote, don’t just cast your vote for those people that will not assist us. The number one thing to look for is integrity, someone who has the feeling of a human being in him and how can you know that? That can be known through his track record, if it’s someone who is corrupt or inhumane or who has previously demonstrated thuggery attributes, we should do away with them. Let’s look out for integrity, sincerity, fear of God and for someone that is very brave and courageous enough to face the challenges in this country. Also, we should cast our votes without fear or favour “he maintained .
While speaking on the roles of religious leaders to check moral decadence and set a template for uprightness, Imam Ayilara urged clerics to always stand firm with the truth and never get oppressed by any situation.
“It is our duty as leaders in Islam to speak the truth to the world. We are to give instruction to people and instruct them to do what God wants. We, therefore, appeal to stakeholders that they should allow us to preach to the people the way of God. As the 2023 elections approach, we are to sensitise people on what to do and what not to do. As cleric, we have to stand by what God wants and desist from what God prohibits.” He added.
Imam Ayilara implored all politicians to remain calm and promote peace before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
The Laoye ruling house in Ogbomoso has called on the public to disregard the news making the rounds on social media that the family has selected the person to fill the vacant stool of Soun of Ogbomoso.
The family stated this today while addressing the media in Ogbomoso.
Chairman Screening Committee for the family, Alhaji Abdulwahab Laoye said the family had not selected anyone for the kingmakers but noted that the family had been dazed with the rumours that one Ghandi Afolabi had been selected.
“We did not select Ghandi and he is not among the eleven that the screening committee selected from twenty-three applicants. We do not want the matter to degenerate to the level of litigations, we scheduled a meeting on the 23rd of February and invited the council to observe, but the council hijacked the process from us and added another seven people on the claims that the seven people equally obtained the expression of interest form, thereby raising the number of the applicants to eighteen”.
We were invited again and we saw that some other people had been added to the applicants.
To our surprise, we were notified later that some kingmakers were voting. We rushed down there and realised they were voting for either Ghandi or Suraju.
All we are saying is that we the family of Laoye have not selected Gandi” He said
Also speaking, Mogaji of the Laoye ruling house, Olawole Laoye affirmed that the Laoye family was yet to select the right person for the throne, pledging that the next Soun of Ogbomoso would soon be selected from the family.
” The kingmakers have only selected their own, we will soon select our own” The Mogaji submitted.
Other family members including Garuba Olaoye and Alhaji Zakariyau Olaoye said they were yet to select the would-be monarch urging the public to remain calm.
Soun of Ogbomoso land Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi joined his ancestors on December 12th last year.
However, unverified claims on social media and other media platforms have suggested one Olaoye Ghandi as the next Soun of Ogbomoso land.
Interdenominational service in honour of the former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala is ongoing at the Beulah Baptist Conference Centre, Ogbomoso.
The remains of Adebayo Alao-Akala, in a silver-plated casket, had been moved into the auditorium in a motorcade, while security has been beefed up across Ogbomoso to maintain law and order.
In a sermon, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Dr Israel Akanji stressed the need for people to love one another as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Ministering on the topic, ‘Inheriting Eternal life’ , the cleric said it was essential for all mankind to show mercy and compassion in their daily lives.
Revered Akanji reminded the congregation that death is the end of all mankind.
In attendance at the service are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Youths and sports Sunday Dare, traditional rulers, captains of industries and many other dignitaries.
The remains of Adebayo Alao-Akala is expected to be committed to mother earth at his Ogbomoso home after the funeral service.
All is now set for the interdenominational funeral and thanksgiving service in honour of former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala in Ogbomoso.
According to our correspondent, the remains of Alao- Akala was moved in a motorcade ridden by horse across Ogbomoso as people in their hundreds struggle to have a glimpse of the remains of him.
The conference auditorium of Beulah Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, venue of the event is already a beehive of activities as people troop in en mass.
Among the dignitaries expected at the event are the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and State Governors, as sighted on tagged Seats reserved for expected guests to avoid confusion.
There has also been watertight security around Ogbomoso as security men have been placed at strategic locations to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, some shops are not opened for businesses as residents pay their last respect to a political icon.
Friends and relatives are dressed in white and blue ankara attires.
Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala died on the 12th of January this year, at the age of Seventy one.
He is expected to be committed to mother earth at his Randa home, Ogbomoso.
Minister of information and culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has described Akala as a man who lived an impactful seventy one years as police officer and politician.
The minister stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former governor of Oyo state Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala at opadoyin lodge Randa area Ogbomoso.
The Minister said he was in Ogbomoso to condole with the family as a minister of the Federal republic of Nigeria, as a member of the All Progressives Congress APC and as a personal friend and an inlaw to the late Alao Akala whom he said nobody knew would depart so soon.
” We’ll miss him and i believe that God knows the best,the late governor’s life is a lessons to all, yes he spent just 71 years on earth, but those 71 years were very impactful as a policeman as as politician which he started as a local government Chairman and rose to be governor of Oyo state.
He is an advocate of a belief that everything is local because of his passion and political influence in Ogbomoso and Oyo state . He deserves to be celebrated. He was a man that was interested in the country as a whole, he was equally interested in the progress of our party APC
He always make a difference anywhere he was, he was accessible, humble and he always makes you feel at home. May Allah grant him eternal rest ” The minister said.
While praying for the repose of his soul, the kwara state born politician also prayed to God to protect and preserve the bereaved family to be able to continue his legacy and give the children the grace to achieve what their father could not attain while alive.
Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed signing the condolence register at the Alao-Akala residence,(Left) Son of the deceased,Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (Right)
Welcoming the minister, son of the late governor, Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala restated that the final burial program would commence on monday and the late governor would be buried on Friday in Ogbomoso.
The Students Union Government (SUG) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso have protested the decision of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to rename the institution.
The SUG President, Anuoluwa Adeboye, and the Public Relations Officer, Gabriel Michael, in an open letter made available to newsmen on Friday, said renaming the institution would do more harm than good to its image.
According to IntelRegion, the union believed changing the name of the institution would negatively affect the ego and strength already gathered by the name.
It urged the governor to look inward and consider better recommendations on how the institution could progress.
Governor Seyi Makinde had during the week spoke of plans to rename the institution to Ladoke Akinola University to enable it to have an expanded scope that could accommodate more students in various fields of study.
Golf Recreation Club, Ogbomoso has organised a golf tournament to pay its last respect to the deceased former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Adebayo Alao-Akala was the president of the club between 2003 and 2017.
Speaking during the Hole Out tournament and tree planting session in honour of the late governor, captain of the tournament, Mr Isaac Ojo said the aim of the golf tournament which drew dignitaries and lovers of the game across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria was to honour the late sports enthusiast, Otunba Alao Akala who contributed in no small measure to the development of the club before he bade the world farewell.
He described Otunba Alao Akala as a lover of golf who was actively involved in the game when he was alive.
Mr Ojo maintained that one of the customs of the golf club was to organise hole out tournaments and tree planting in honour of the former president of the club who has passed on.
He affirmed that the late former governor will be missed for his immense contributions to the club, golf tournaments and Oyo State at large.
The tournament witnessed had in attendance golfers across the country, children of the late governor and other well-wishers.
Reactions have continued to trail the death of a former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala.
As early as eight o’clock in the morning people from all walks of life and other sympathizers trooped to the deceased residence in Ogbomoso.
Notable among them are, Senator Ayo Adeseun, a federal lawmaker, representing Ogbomoso North/South and Ori Ire Federal Constituency and Captain Jacob Ajao.
All local government chairmen in the Ogbomoso zone were also in attendance.
In a formal condolence visit to the Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde said the deceased had been scheduled to flag off Ogbomoso – Iseyin road not knowing that death would take him away before the day.
Governor Makinde described Akala as the most experienced politician in Oyo state.
He explained that Alao-Akala lived a fulfilled life saying despite their different political alignment, they both related in mutual love.
He described the loss of Akala as a loss to the entire Oyo state.
Governor Makinde while presenting a condolence letter pledged to stand by the family
Responding, son of the Late Akala, Olamiju appreciated the state government.
Special prayers were offered by the chairman, Oyo state pilgrims board, Christian wing, Bishop David Moradeyo and Special Adviser Islamic affairs, Abdulrasheed Wale –Azeez.
An APC stalwart, Isaac Omodewu said Akala was a political Icon he would miss forever.
Many other individuals especially the downtrodden testified to his generosity.
As Nigerians mourn the demise of a former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Alhaji Lam Adesina have described the incident as a great loss to many people.
The Lam-Adesina family in a statement released by the eldest son of the former governor of Oyo State, Dr Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina, indicates that the sudden death of the political guru has created a great vacuum in the political history of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The statement describes Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala as a great man that goes to any length to ensure everyone around him smiles.
The statement further expresses the family’s condolences to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria.
The Lam-Adesina family also prays to Almighty God to grant the deceased a peaceful rest.
