As people continue to mourn Alagba Adebayo Faleti, who died in the early hours of Monday, a former commissioner in the state, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde has urged government, especially in Oyo State, to immortalise the late cultural icon.
In a condolence letter personally signed by Akintunde, who hails from the same town with the Faleti, the late actor and journalist has left a vacuum too big to be filled.
According to him, “We grew up to know him. We monitored every of his latest works in order for us not to miss any trend in Yoruba language, culture and tradition.
“Apart from that, we were always proud of him as he was an inspiration to many of us, especially those of us from the same town with him. While growing up, his numerous works taught us morals. Anything you need about Yoruba, he had it.
“Rather than allow his background to obstruct his progress as his parents didn’t have the means to finance his education, he defied all odds, trained himself and became known for many firsts.
“In everything he laid his hands upon, he turned it around positively. He translated speeches of former presidents Ibrahim Babangida and Ernest Shonekan to Yoruba language, he was the one who translated the Nigeria’s national anthem to our language. He was a mentor to many people, especially broadcasters, film makers, poets, journalists etc. All these gave him recognition and his contributions to the development of Yoruba culture and tradition did not go unnoticed. He was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He never for once used his connection negatively. Till he died, his records remain untainted. He was a man of moderate appetite; he lived a decent life and supported every moves that have to do with Yoruba progress.
“Though his death came to us as a rude shock, especially at a time we need him for cultural and moral reorientation of our youth, I want to urge the family to be happy that their late matriarch lived a life worthy of emulation,” extolled.
He, however, urged government to immortalise him in a way that the incoming generations would may want to know who the late cultural icon was.
