Funeral Service Of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, Former Governor Oyo State

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AS GOVERNOR ALAO-AKALA DEMONSTRATED WHAT’S POSSIBLE WHEN CREATIVITY AND COMPASSION ARE BROUGHT INTO GOVERNANCE – OSINBAJO

 

 

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE OF OTUNBA CHRISTOPHER ADEBAYO ALAO-AKALA, FORMER GOVERNOR OF OYO STATE IN OGBOMOSO ON THE 18TH OF FEBRUARY 2022

 

 

PROTOCOLS

 

 

Everywhere he went in those days as Governor of Oyo State, you would hear chants of “Oyato gomina! Oyato!” For the benefit of those who do not speak Yoruba, they meant “Governor with a difference!” Of course, there were many things Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala did differently on assumption of office (from Jan 2006 to December that same year, and then again from May 2007 to May 2011).

 

He significantly improved the Internally Generated Revenue of the State (from a paltry N300m to a record N1billion) within eight months of becoming Governor. He instituted impactful programs like the home-grown empowerment scheme known as Community Link Advancement Programme (CLAP), he put in place a security architecture that guaranteed peace and security everywhere in Oyo State.

 

Otunba Dr. Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala practically demonstrated what is possible when creativity and compassion are brought into governance.

 

Since his transition in January, I have read and heard lots of glowing tributes paid to his memory, and the common refrain running through all those tributes have been the attestation of his uncommon generosity. Many testify that his resources were available to all who asked for help, and his home was a place where anyone could come for help.

 

He was indeed a very simple and humane gentleman, who practised politics with an open mind and just like many of his associates and the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde testified in tributes and articles, recalling his political sojourn, Otunba Alao-Akala was a politician who knew how to be a political opponent without being an enemy. He was always respectful of the views and beliefs of others.

 

There is undoubtedly a lot more to be said about his generosity in material terms and in those things that money cannot buy. At a personal level, I can attest to his generosity with time and counsel. I met him many years ago through his nephew, my friend and brother, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN, currently Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State while we were lecturers at the University of Lagos. At that time, he treated us like his younger brothers and was always ready to give what you might call a few “enablements”

 

And after becoming the Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC in 2014, he was one of those I immediately turned to for advice. I recall how in the midst of his boisterous laughter he said, Professor “ise yi o makin sise kekere.” (This work is not small)

 

Being a battle-hardened veteran of the game himself, he must have been wondering if I had the stamina to cope. He then went on to give me some unforgettable advice about what he thought I should do.

 

Till he drew his last breath, Alao-Akala never ceased to avail me of his quality counsel and words of encouragement by way of phone calls or pep talk whenever our paths crossed. The good people of Ogbomosho will miss the kindness, compassion and love of this trusted and revered leader.

 

With his broad smile and hearty laughter, there is no doubt that this illustrious political actor from Ogbomoso-land struck and, by some extraordinary means, was able to sustain a deep connection with the people.

 

Not surprisingly, in any political calculation, everyone knew that wherever Alao Akala pitched his tent is where Ogbomosho will go.

 

But his political influence and reach went beyond party affiliation and what we see here today, multi-partisan colours of those of us gathered here today to bid him farewell is evidence of the fact that he belonged to all. This is a solid reflection of his goodwill and the goodwill he enjoyed across political divides, ethnicities and faiths.

 

Alao Akala served his people and country all his life, from a career in the police force to the chairmanship of the Ogbomosho North Local government council, to deputy Governor and then Governor of Oyo State, he put everything into public service. And this is why today the people of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and the nation gather to pay him the high respects of a well-regarded patriot and faithful servant of the people.

 

On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and people of Nigeria, I hereby express our sincere condolence to the Alao-Akala family, and we pray that the almighty God will comfort and uphold you always and bless his memory forever in Jesus’ name.

 

Eyin baba wa Otunba Doctor Christopher Adebayo Alao- Akala, a ma da a si o.

 

Gbogbo wa na l’a ma gbehin awon arugbo wa.

 

God bless you all.

 

Thank you.



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