Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala: 72nd Post-Humous Birthday of an Indomitable Titan || Inaolaji Olayode
PanNigerianNews
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By Inaolaji OLAYODE
I submit to the aphorism of Samuel Butler that: “Everyone is an immortal, he may know well that he is going to die, but he can never know that he is dead.” This thought aptly captures the death of an enigma, champion, illustrious son of Ogbmoso and former executive governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Otunba Christopher Alexander Adebayo Aremu Alao-Akala.
The demise of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala on January 12, 2022 is a poignant loss and shall remain effulgent in the consciousness of the indigenes of Ogbomoso and Oyo State as a whole.
The political juggernaut, late Alao-Akala bounced to the earth on June 3, 1950, at Akala Compound, Taraa Area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. When he was in his very young age, he was a prey of misfortune, but the window of opportunity later opened for him.
Akala’s departure shook Ogbomoso to its foundation, all and sundry were thrown into deathly mourning.The heaven shall in perpetuity blaze forth the death of a grand prince who bestrode the entire city of Ogbomoso like a behemoth. Bobagunwa of Ogbomosoland was as courageous as a tiger in the jungle. His benevolence and philanthropy bequeathed him the appellation “ATM Governor”.
He had a vast knowledge of Nigerian politics; no wonder he emerged as the chairman of Ogbomoso North local government area and elected helmsman of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011, having been elected deputy governor in 2003 and acting governor in 2006. He was known for his unbridled affection for both the haves and the have-nots. It was said that he could spend a huge amount of money to search for an ordinary pin. That was Otunba Alao-Akala!
His footprint remains indelible in the sand of time. Many people in the game of politics have drunk from his fountain of wisdom and knowledge. This will be a guide in their actions and demeanour in their political engagements and lives.. He was always optimistic and tactical in his dealings. He was a gregarious man with lot of feathers added to his cap.
The Otun Orirun of the Siurce abhorred corruption, injustice, and all sort of unscrupulous and illicit actions. He was propelled by humility. Without a modicum of reasonable speculation, he has caved his name in gold. His dazzling and glittering name is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf.
Death is belligerent and bellicose for nabbing a hero about five months ago just like that. Had it been death pardoned Aláàánú Mèkúnù that fateful day, now, his birthday will indubitably be with radiant fanfare; drums will be throbbed, tambourine will be shaken; trumpet and saxophone will be blazed. But, no one can query the work of God. What seems bad to man may be the best in the view of God.
Alao-Akala, a retired policeman, was a recipient of numerous traditional titles and this rested on the extraordinary performance in his administrations. Among the titles are: Bobagunwa of Ogbomoso, Bobajiroro of Owu Kingdom, Mayegun of Okeho, Otunba of Akinmorin, Basorun Atunluto of Akure, Mayegun of Okeho, Aare Asoludero of Ibadapa, Otun of the Source, Akogun of Ilua, Atunluse of Ife Odan, Agbaakin of Iseyin, Ariwajoye of Ede land, Balogun of Igbojayeland and Aare Kebimapalu of Oyo State. These depict how his tentacles spread across Yorubaland.
I want to admonish Chief Aremu’s full-blooded son, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, jostling for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire federal constituency seat at the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to emulate the qualities possessed by his father to pave way for him to quickly reach his destination.
I wish Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala a 72nd posthumous birthday. The Great Architect of the Universe shall, in perpetuity, bequeathe his family members, friends and members of his political dynasty the succor and fortitude to bear the lugubrious exit of a political guru.
Continue to rest in the Elysium, Sir.
…Olayode studies at Ekiti State University.
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