Senator Kola Balogun has described the death of a former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, as a rude shock and unexpected at this point in time.
The senator, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, said he was particularly surprised by the sudden passage of the former governor, having been talking on recent developments in the state.
This was contained in a release by the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr Dapo Falade, to condole with the family, the government and the people of Oyo State and Nigerians over the passage of the deceased.
Senator Balogun, who served twice as a commissioner in the cabinet of the late Alao-Akala, described him as an astute politician whose friendship cuts all political divides.
“We have been witnessing many deaths in Oyo State in recent times. But I am particularly shocked by the sudden death of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
“His death is a rude shock because we have been in constant touch very recently and, at each of the time we communicate, he never show any sign of serious ailments.
“I called to condole with him when the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, passed away. We also spoke on phone, last week, on the passage of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso I.
“I also spoke with his wife, Chief Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala, who relayed my message to him. In all our conversations, I never got any inkling that Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala will soon leave us.
“I am going to miss him, but we cannot query God on how He does His things. Former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala has come; he played well his part and he has returned to his creator.
“On behalf of myself, my wife, Mrs Mogbonjubola Kola-Balogun and the entire people of Oyo South Senatorial District, I want to commiserate with the family of the late Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.
“I also extend my condolences to the Oyo State government, the people of Ogbomosoland, the people of Oyo State and entire Nigerians over the shocking and irreparable loss,” Senator Balogun stated in the release.
In a related development, an astute businessman and politician, Dr. Olusola Ayandele (Eruobodo), has described the late former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, as an evergreen political heavyweight and patriot whose transition to eternal glory on Wednesday has robbed Oyo state and Nigeria of many good things.
Alao-Akala, who served as deputy governor and later governor of Oyo state between 2003 and 2011, died in his Ogbomoso home in the early hours of Wednesday. He was aged 71.
Dr. Ayandele, in a condolence message made available to journalists on Wednesday, lamented the passage of the leader of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state as he described the development as a collosal loss not only to the Pacesetter state but also to the Nigerian nation.
“The news of the death of Otunba Alao-Akala came with rude shock and utter disbelief as there was no report of ill-health or sickness about him. He was even present at the Fidau of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland last week where he was last seen in the public and nobody had an inkling that he was about to leave us. His death was one too many as it threw the whole country into mourning and regret.
“Otunba Alao-Akala, the Distinct (Oyato) Governor as he was fondly called by his numerous admirers and beneficiaries, did his best in terms of selfless service to God and humanity. He used all the opportunities that came his way to impart positively in the lives of his people and this explains why he enjoyed the love and confidence of his people until he breathed his last.
“Without mincing words, the death of the enigma called Otunba Alao-Akala has denied Oyo state and Nigeria the chance of benefitting from his wealth of experience as an administrator of enviable track record, colourful politicking and philanthropism. Many people would attest to the fact that he was able to transform lives while he also built an enduring legacy for himself as one who governed Oyo state successfully.
“Our sympathy and prayers are with his wives, children and other family members as well as the good people of Ogbomoso and the entire members of Oyo APC who have been thrown into mourning as a result of the death of this collusus. We pray God to grant him eternal rest and also give succour to the army of admirers, friends and supporters he left behind.” Dr. Ayandele-Eruobodo added.
Also a gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Engineer Joseph Tegbe also mourned the passage of the former Governor of Oyo state.
Tegbe in a statement made available to newsmen said: “I extend my condolences to the family of the late former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala.
“Otunba Alao Akala was a father figure to me and my wife Abímbólá; one whom we valued beyond politics. His life was testimony of doggedness and a source of inspiration to many in the political world. The former Governor will be sorely missed by members of the APC, the people of Ogbomoso, the state and Nigeria at large.
“I commiserate with the state Governor and the entire state on the loss of our former Governor. I pray that Almighty God grants repose to his soul and keep the family he left behind.”
