Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi has described the late former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala as a pragmatic and man of the people.
Fayemi disclosed this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Yinka Oyebode, Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) restated that the late Alao-Akala was a colourful politician, pragmatic leader and a man of the people in and out of office.
The governor who expressed shock over the death noted that Alao-Akala was in his usual high spirit during their last meeting and did not bear any sign of illness.
Fayemi described the deceased as an apostle of politics without bitterness and a leader whose interaction, influence and network cut across political divides.
He said the deceased played a prominent role in ensuring that peace returned to the Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fayemi said the late Alao-Akala’s life was defined by service to the people first as a police officer, rising to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, and later as a politician public servant and elder statesman whose doors were always opened to the common man.
He noted that the demise of the late politician amounted to a double blow for the people of Ogbomosho, his home town, who were still mourning their late monarch, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, who passed barely one month ago.
He attested that the deceased left legacy projects across the length and breadth of the Pacesetter State and was famous for empowering the youths, women and the poor during his tenure.
“Otunba Alao-Akala’s death came as a shock. We shall miss his amiable personality, wittiness and dynamism.
“On behalf of my wife, Bisi, the government and people of Ekiti, I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State, members of Alao-Akala family, his political associates and pray that God would grant him eternal rest,” Fayemi said in his condolence message.
Fayemi counterpart and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has also commiserated with the Alao-Akala family, the people and Government of Oyo State on the passing of the late politician.
The governor’s condolence is contained in a statement issued by his CPS, Olisa Ifeajika, Wednesday in Asaba, the State’s capital.
Okowa described the passing of Alao-Akala at this critical time of the country’s political history as painful and regrettable.
He said that the former governor contributed immensely to the development of his state as a former Deputy Governor to Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja, and later as governor of the state.
“The late Alao-Akala was a patriot and a political icon whose life-long dedication and indefatigable commitment to serving the people will continue to be remembered.
“His contributions to the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria and indeed, humanity will remain indelible.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with his family, Gov. Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State, numerous friends, associates and admirers of the deceased politician.
“It is my prayer that God grant the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Okowa mourned. NAN
Late Alao-Akala who governed Oyo State from 2007 to 2011 died in the early hours of Wednesday in Ogbomoso at age 71.