Amidst a deluge of condolence messages, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State and the Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum have commiserated with the governor and the people of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, over the death of former governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.
They both expressed shock over the demise of the astute politician who died at his country-home in Ogbomoso at the age 71, describing the death as a rude shock.
Alao-Akala served as the governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola expressed deep pain and acute saddeness by the demise of a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The Governor described the death as a personal loss, saying Alao-Akala was a good friend of Osun who always identified with the state in celebrating its accomplishments.
Resolution
Oyetola recalled the laudable role played by the late governor during the resolution of the age-long battle between Oyo and Osun states over the joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and gracing of the State 30th Anniversary Banquet and Awards which was held last year.
He said the Ogbomoso-born politician was an unassuming elder statemen and a seasoned political leader whose reputation is worth emulating, explaining that he would be remembered for his giant strides in Oyo State.
Ogbomoso youths
Meanwhile, the Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum has similarly expressed shock over the death of the former governor.
In a condolence statement signed by its president Reverend Peter Olaleye, the Forum described Alao-Akala as a very peaceful and empathic person who sympathised with those who suffered misfortune, gave encouragement to those in despair and shared whatever he had with those in Ogbomoso and Oyo State in general.
“As mortals, it is difficult to come to terms with the loss of such a kind-hearted, deeply pious and beneficent politician, who in spite of his age, was still full of life, serving as a veritable bastion of support for the Ogbomoso and entire Oyo State.
Service to humanity
The Forum however took solace in the fact that Alao-Akala lived a fulfilled life of service to humanity through his numerous community engagements, nurtured his admirers and children to greatness and had good relationship with God.
The youths offered sincere condolences to the family and friends of the politician, even as they prayed that he finds eternal rest.
Born on June 3, 1950, at Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Alao-Akala had his elementary school at Osupa Baptist Day School, Ogbomoso before proceeding to Kamina Barracks Middle School, 5th Battalion of Infantry in Tamale, Ghana.
Lateefat Ibrahim
