Razaq Bamidele
The Oyo State Elders Advisory Council of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has express shock and disbelief over the sudden passing on of its Chairman, the State Leader of party and former Governor of Oyo State (2007 – 2011), Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022.
In statement at the Ogbomoso residence of the deceased in which his demise was officially announced, the Council regretted the sudden death of the man said to have “exited this wicked and sinful world on Wednesday, January 12, 2022,”, adding that, the announcement was with heavy hearts, grave shock and severe pains.”
The statement declared that, “upon the death of His Excellency Alao-Akala, the Oyo State APC has lost a rare charismatic leader, charming, ebullient and personable,” adding that, “at Elders Council, we attest and bear testimony that Otunba Adebayo was simple but never stupid, was generous but not reckless, was wise but never crafty, bold but not arrogant, kind but not timid, humble but never diffident!”
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Governor Akala’s influence and Political hegemony, according to the statement, was established and acknowledged state-wide, describing that as a direct corollary of his unparalleled human relations, excellent bridge building capacity and uncommon large heartedness.
The deceased was commended Akala for how he magnanimously committed his Resources, time, intellect and health to reposition a crisis-ridden APC, lamenting however that, “he died in the course and in the process of this divinely entrusted historic assignment!”
The statement went further thus: “Renowned as one of the best Governors Oyo State has ever produced; his tremendous success in Governance was a natural function and concomitant effect of his personal philosophy of egalitarianism, equity and fairness.
“As the Chairman of State Elders Advisory Council of our Party, His words were wisdom, his counsel prophetic and his actions legendary. Surely, Governor Alao-Akala will be sorely missed.”
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The Council therefore commiserated with Alao-Akala Family, the people of Ogbomoso, who demonstrated unalloyed loyalty and stuck to him throughout his political career, the members of APC and the good people of Oyo State, adding that, “apart from late sage, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, former Premier of the Western Region, no politician, whether dead or alive, has asserted so much political authority and firm grip over Ogbomoso-land as Adebayo Alao-Akala, who bestrode the ancient City like a colossus for three decades! And uncontrovertibly, friends and foes concurred that Omo Iya Alaro has left indelible marks on the sands of time.”
Going philosophical, the Elders Advisory Council reminded that, “if you want to live forever, you either write a book or you do things that people can write about,” admitting that, “Christopher actualized both, he wrote many books and also did several things that generations can write about.”
The Council therefore sincerely hoped and prayed that, the membership of APC would see Akala’s death as enough sacrifice to foster unity across board, sheath their swords and embrace genuine reconciliation towards charting a smooth and hiccup-free path for electoral victory and enthronement of the great party in 2023.
The APC elders admitted that, that is the best way the party can celebrate the sweet memory of Adebayo Alao-Akala and the evergreen memories of our fallen Leaders, Governor Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina (1999 – 2003) and Governor Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi (2011 – 2019), who all labored and sweated to lay the solid and enduring foundation for the stability and greatness of the Party.
The statement concluded by taking solace in the words of Nan Witcomb who says:
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‘’We do not have to rely on memories to recapture the spirit of those we have loved and lost – they live within our souls in some perfect sanctuary which even death cannot destroy,’’believing that, “the late Governor Alao-Akala seems to be responding to our grief as he has this to say, through an anonymous quote titled I’m Free:
“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m Free,
i’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I had His call,
I turned my back I left it all.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
i’ve found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,
perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me God wanted me now,
He set me free.”
The Council therefore prayed that, “may the gentle soul of our most indefatigable leader and amiable chairman rest in the bosom of the Lord and may He also grant his family, friends, political associates and numerous sympathizers the fortitude to bear this gargantuan agony and irreplaceable loss. Goodnight, Your Excellency, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala”
The delegation was led by His Excellency, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun who served as Deputy Governor under late Alhaji Lam Adesina. On the delegation were the former minister of Sports and Special duties, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, Dr Isiaka kolawole who is the Secretary of the advisory council, Engr. Idris Adeoye and Chief Mrs Adeyinka Adebayo.
The statement was signed by, His Excellency, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun and Dr. Isiaka Olayinka Kolawole, for and on behalf of Oyo State APC Elders Advisory Council.
