.Death of Bayo Alao-Akala sad, unexpected – Amb. Farounbi
.Alao-Akala, great gentleman – Lekan Balogun
Prominent Nigerians have expressed shock at the news of the demise of former Oyo State Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, describing him as a great man of honour.
Former Nigerian envoy to Philippines, Amb. Yemi Farounbi, OON, described Alao-Akala’s passage as “one death that Oyo State and Nigeria do not need now.”
In a statement sent to Oyo Reporters, Farounbi wrote, “The death of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala is absolutely an unexpected and sad event. Certainly, it’s one death that Oyo State and Nigeria do not need now.
“He was such a humble and likeable character, who was a lover of all, irrespective of class and social status. As a local government chairman, he served the people of Ogbomoso very well, and gave them socio-economic development.
“Beyond his expectations, he became a Deputy Governor, when all he wanted was a second term as Chairman. He managed adroitly the political situation that made him a governor during the impeachment period of his erstwhile boss and brother, Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
“I remember now the hours both he and (former) Governor Ladoja spent one evening in my humble abode in Bodija rebuilding a relationship that predated politics.He subsequently became substantive governor of Oyo State.
“That he was able to break the iron-clad hold of Ibadan on Oyo State governorship is an eloquent testimony to his high political intelligence and close relationship with the masses of Oyo State.As Governor, he did not let the people down. He did very well and remained a great man of the people.
“I commiserate with his good family, the governor and the people of Oyo State on the loss of this political giant.”
Also, the Olubadan designate, High Chief Lekan Balogun, in a statement signed by his Media Secretary, Dele Ogunsola, said that “The sudden death of the former governor of Oyo State, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, on Wednesday, was a loss of a great and gentleman.”
The statement quoted Balogun as saying that the former governor lived a life of purpose and service to humanity, adding, ”We have lost a great and gentleman whose contributions to the development and progress of Oyo State cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
”The late former governor was a friend of all whose politics was predicated on the principle of welfare to the people which informed his cult-like followership both in and out of office, a legacy which should be a source of consolation to the members of his immediate family.”
The statement condoled Governor Seyi Makinde, the people of the state and Ogbomoso in particular, and the wives and children of the late politician.
The statement further quoted him as counseling the people that rather than mourning the death of the former governor, he should be celebrated because of what he did for humanity during his lifetime.
