Politics

Politicians Pay Tributes to Alao Akala in Ibadan

By Web News 812

A day of tributes in honour of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala was a reincarnation of his humane personality as political associates, friends and well wishers showered encomia on the former governor of Oyo State.


Our correspondent, who was at the Jogor centre, venue of the event noted that it was a gathering of who is who in Southwest as politicians across political parties took turns to share emotion laden experiences and encounter with Otunba Alao-Akala.

In a lecture presentation titled “The lifetime of a humane politician”, a lecturer at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Professor Tunji Olaopa, who described Otunba Alao-Akala as a politician with broad spectrum of alliance and epitome of politics without bitterness, urged politicians to prioritize the interest of their constituency and render selfless service to make life more abundant for the masses.

Chairman on the occasion, Chief Wale Ohu said the programme, which will become an annual event was borne out of agreement among the political class to celebrate a man with uncommon experience and exceeding generosity.

Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by the chairman, Ogun State Television, OGTV, Mr. Tunde Oladunjoye stated that Otunba Alao-Akala was a leader from grassroots who enjoyed his peoples’ support.

The chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo state, Mr. Isaac Omodewu appealed to party members to sheath their swords and exemplify pace-setting status of Oyo State in honour of the late Otunba Alao-Akala.

The son of the late governor, Mr. Olamijuwon Akala expressed gratitude to the organizers and well wishers for their supports to the Alao-Akala family.

Dignitaries at the event included two Senators Fatai Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District and his counterpart, Kola Balogun representing Oyo South Senatorial District, lawmaker representing Ogo-oluwa/Surulere federal constituency, Mr. Segun Odebunmi and member representing Ogbomoso North state constituency, Mrs Olawumi Oladeji, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Chief Bosede Adedibu, Professor Taoheed Adedoja and running mate of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala during 2019 governorship election, Professor Abideen Olaiya.

Sherifdeen Nashirdeen

Sport

Golf Tournament Held In Honour Of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala

By Web News 829

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.

Adedayo Adelowo

Lifestyle

Folarin’s Wife: Ajimobi Calls for Prayers for Ibadan Indigenes, Oyo State

By Web News 1695

Idris Bolaji Abiola-Ajimobi on Saturday said the death of the wife of the senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Angela Folarin calls for prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.

Idris Ajimobi has condoled with the immediate family of the late legal practitioner, particularly her husband and the entire Ibadanland.

In a statement he personally signed in Lagos, he said, “though Aunty Angela Folarin died at the time her husband needs her support, I’m urging Senator Teslim Folarin to consider and accept the death as the will of God”.

He said; “Madam Angela was a great wife of Ibadanland. Her death came at the time her husband needs her support. I know her to be a good wife, a caring and dear sister”.

“I, therefore, ask the teeming indigenes of Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole to devote time for prayers for the state. Recently we lost a former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, a Senior Chief of Ibadanland and many other prominent people of the state.”

“I condole with my uncle, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin on the demise of his wife. I pray God in His infinite mercies to comfort him and the family of the late wife.”

Signed: Idris Bolaji Abiola-Ajimobi

Lifestyle

Akala Was Unashamedly Passionately In Love With His Ancestral Home – OCC

By Web News 838

Ogbomosoland Consultative Council, OCC, has described the death of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Professor Alex Gboyega, Professor Taibat Danmole (Nee Oyewumi) as a collective loss that has a profound psychological impact on the people of Ogbomoso.

The non-political body of prominent Ogbomoso Indigenes constituted by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi said this in a condolence message during a visits to the family of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. 

In a message read by Dr Saka Balogun, one of the group’s coordinators, they commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire Ogbomoso Land and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The non-political group, while urging the deceaseds’ families to be courageous, promised to galvanize its strength, unity and faith in the Almighty to ensure the development and progress of the land.

“Ladies and gentlemen, over the last eight weeks (December 2021 to January 2022) Ogbomosoland experienced unprecedented developments sign posted by the transition of our uncommon traditional ruler who joined his ancestors as well as the loss of some prominent personalities such as (i) Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Professor Alex Gboyega and Professor (Mrs.) Taibat Bolanle Danmole (Nee- Oyewumi). This is our collective loss and the OCC commiserates with their families and the entire populace. May the almighty comfort us all.”

“The message we are sending to all our people, the traditional, religious, community leaders, women and the youths, therefore, is a message of hope, unity, peace, purposeful leadership and progress. In the days and weeks following the transition of our revered Soun, the OCC has stood in the gap for coordination of affairs and consultation, while supporting the Palace Council of Chiefs, the royal family members and ensuring that the peace and security of the community is sustained. The OCC shall continue to play these roles in a most apolitical manner and in the best interest of Ogbomoso”.

While urging Ogbomoso people to always remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant, the OCC reassures every Ogbomoso indigene that there will never be a vacuum in the protection of their interests.

“We also urge our citizens to steadfastly pray for the safety, security and progress of Ogbomoso, the State and the nation. They should also pray for the success of all processes that will eventually produce the next Soun of Ogbomoso. God bless Ogbomosoland, keep us all safe and grant us good health. Amen” he said.

Still shocked on the death of Akala, OCC Public Relations Officer, PRO, Ambassador Akintola Oyateru said Akala still chaired a virtual meeting on the Monday preceding his death where he assigned roles on the befitting funeral plans for the late Soun of Ogbomoso land.

He identified the deceased as a man who was keen about Ogbomoso, in interest and perspectives, saying he was unashamedly passionately in love with his ancestral home.

Adedayo Adelowo

Politics

Alao-Akala was a leader with a pure heart – Alli

By Web News 1659

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Akogun Sharafadeen Alli has described the late former governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala as a brother and political associate who contributed greatly to the development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Akogun Alli said Chief Alao-Akala was a leader and boss with a pure heart and generous instinct.

The former SSG in Oyo state who stated this in a condolence message he personally signed, said the political class would miss the leadership qualities of the former governor.

According to him, the death of the former governor is a major setback for the APC as a party but he nevertheless urged members to be steadfast even in this trying and mourning period.

“Brother Bayo’s death is a rude shock to me. I was very close to him when we were in government and also maintained a wonderful relationship with him after we parted ways. “Many would still remember I was his running mate in the Labour Party during the 2015 election and we had great moments working together to salvage the state.”  “I am down as I send this condolence message. I know how we moved during our political sojourn in 2015 when I contested as his running mate. We were friends, brothers, and political associates.” 

“He was generous with a pure heart. Akala committed the state resources to human and state development. Since he was appointed as the leader of our dear state, Alao-Akala has been making efforts to reposition our party. We would miss his wise counsel and great political influence,” he added.

Iyabo Adebisi

News

Oyo SUBEB Helmsman, Adeniran Mourns Former Boss, Alao-Akala

By Web News 766

The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran has mourned the death of his former boss, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala. 

Alao-Akala, who died in Ogbomosho was 71 years old and was a former Governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011. 

The Oyo SUBEB helmsman recalls with nostalgia how his relationship with former Governor Alao-Akala started, during their heydays as Chairmen of Local Governments in the state. 

“Chief Alao-Akala was a good brother, friend and leader to me. We both started as local Government chairmen. He served as Chairman, Ogbomosho North, while I served as the Chairman, Ibadan South-West”.

Dr Adeniran noted that thereafter, Chief Alao-Akala, who served as a governor in the state, was a good leader to him when he served under his PDP-led government. 

The Oyo SUBEB boss said he served as a board member at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital; Commissioner for Industry and later a Commissioner for Education under former Governor Alao-Akala. 

Dr Adeniran added that the late Adebayo Alao-Akala was an uncommon patriot who contributed immensely to the development of politics in Oyo State. 

“He was a leader and an uncommon patriot who understood the political terrain in Oyo State. His knowledge of Oyo politics was profound and remarkable”. 

Adeniran said, “Former Governor Alao-Akala’s death is indeed a personal loss to me”.

Media Team,  

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

Yoruba

Gomina Makinde Fidi Isele Iku Otunba Alao-Akala Mule

By Web News 869

Gomina Makinde fidi isele iku gomina teleri Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala mule.

Gomina teleri nipinle Oyo, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala ti jade laaye looro oni nilu Ogbomosho tise ilu abinibi re.

Eni to so iroyin di mimo foniroyin ile-isewa, amo tiko fe kiwon daruko oun, sapejuwe iku gomina teleri naa gege bi adanu nla.

Otunba Alao-Akala to je eekan-kan ninu egbe oselu apc, lo je gomina ipinle Oyo laarin odun 2007 sodun 2011.

Nigba ton fidi isele iku Otunba Alao-Akala mule, Gomina Ipinle Oyo, Onimoero Seyi Makinde ti ko le soro nibi isin alajumose eyi tawon osise oba nipinle oyo gbekale fodun tuntun yii, kede didake iseju kan fun Gomina ana to doloogbe ohun, ti Gomina Makinde si pari eto isin alajumose ohun sibe, tawon osise naa si pada se nu ise koowa won pelu irewesi okan.

Nigba ton naa fidi isele iku mule, igbakeji oludari feto iroyin fun gomina teleri naa, Tolu Mustapha sope, kii se aiisan lo pa Otunba Alao-Akala.

Eni odun mokanle-laadorin loloogbe Alao-Akala jade laye.

Folakemi Wojuade/Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Otunba Alao-Akala lived nobly, died in nobility – Ajimobi

By Web News 953

The death of a former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala is a great loss to the people of Ogbomosho and Oyo State.

A son of former Oyo State governor, Mr Idris Abolaji Abiola-Ajimobi who stated this in a condolence message over the passing of Otunba Alao-Akala, sympathized with the people of Ogbomosho and Oyo State in general.

Mr Ajimobi explained that the late All Progressives Congress, APC Chieftain who died earlier on Wednesday in his Ibadan house, was like a father to him.

He described Otunba Alao-Akala as a role model who would be remembered as a generous man of the people who played a vital role in the development of Oyo State.

“He was a unifying force for the nation and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Oyo state and Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry. “In all circumstances, he lived nobly and he died in nobility. He was an achiever”.

Mr Ajimobi expressed his sincere condolence to the members of his family as well as to the government and the good people of Oyo State and prayed that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and comfort all those he left behind.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Politics

Governor Makinde Confirms Otunba Alao-Akala’s Death

By Web News 899

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has confirmed the death of a former governor of the state, Otunba Alao Akala who reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday 12/1/2022.

The governor who could not deliver his speech at an inter-faith service organized by the state civil service to usher in the New Year declared a one minute silence in respect of the late governor. 

The governor abruptly ended the interfaith programme as civil servants left the event in a sober mood.

Also confirming the development, the Media Assistant to the former governor, Mr Tolu Mustapha however denied that the former governor died as a result of ill-health.

The former governor who was in office between 2007 and 2011 passed on at the age of 71 years.

Iyabo Adebisi

News

Former Oyo Governor, Alao-Akala Is Dead

By Web News 1185

A former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, has reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday in Ogbomoso.

A source close to Otunba Alao-Akala, who did not want his name mentioned, confirmed the incident which he described as unfortunate to our correspondent.

Otunba Alao-Akala, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was a former governor of the state, between 2007 and 2011.

More details later.

Iyabo Adebisi/Adedayo Adelowo/Adewumi Faniran

Politics

No politician behind insecurity in Oyo State – Alao-Akala

By Web News 1594

A former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, says insecurity in the state is not being sponsored by any politician.

He stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria in his hometown, Ogbomoso.

Otunba Alao-Akala who noted that no politician would ever play politics with insecurity, said Oyo State was only having its share of prevailing insecurity issues facing Nigeria.

The former governor said the Oyo State government had harkened to his previous advice on checking insecurity in the state.

“The security problem in the country is not only in Oyo State. I am not comfortable because part of the state is witnessing unrest, particularly Ibarapa North and Central. They cannot sleep with their eyes closed. I am worried.”

“The other time I advised that there should be an enlarged stakeholders’ security meeting in the state whereby everyone can advise the government on how to go about security challenges. I think he has done that and by doing that he should leave security of each domain to traditional rulers who know people in their own territory.”

“There is no politician who will play politics with security. No politician that wants results will try that. Politics involves all of us, so if I play politics with security, how do you know if it won’t catch up with me. I don’t believe that any politician is behind what is happening in Oyo state.” He said.

Speaking on Eid-el-kabir celebrations, Otunab Alao-Akala urged Nigerians to take the path of God.

The ex-governor said if there was fear of God, all the security challenges in the country would be surmounted. Adedayo Adelowo

Politics

Insecurity: Convene Council of State Meeting Now – Alao-Akala

By Web News 603

Former Governor of Oyo state and Chairman, Elders Advisory Council, All Progressives Congress, APC, Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala has advised Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde to convene a council of state meeting to brainstorm on the security challenges facing the state.

Otunba Alao-Akala who gave the advice while speaking with journalists in Ibadan explained that the meeting is imperative to save Oyo State from what he called total collapse security-wise.

According to him, the council of state meeting comprising of all former governor’s in the state both military and civilian is necessary to fashion out proactive approach and effective methods to nip all the security challenges in the bud before it gets out of control.

While noting that the council of state meeting is statutory both at National and state levels, Otunba Alao-Akala submitted that, such is needed in Oyo State at the moment and urged Governor Makinde not to delay saying, that the peace and stability of Oyo State is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders.

Dayo Adu