President Muhammadu Buhari and the South-West Governors’ Forum have paid tribute to late former Oyo State Governor, Christopher Ala-Akala.
Alao-Akala, a former police officer, served as deputy governor before becoming governor of Oyo State.
He was confirmed dead today at the age of 71.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Buhari commiserated with the Alao-Akala family, the government and people of Oyo State over the former governor’s passing.
“As a former police officer and civilian governor with an extensive political career, the President affirms that Otunba Akala served the country and the people of Oyo State with dedication, making very important contributions to the development of institutions and communities.
“The President trusts that family, friends and associates who mourn the late governor, will honour his vision of entrenching good governance in the country and passion to lift the downtrodden in the society.
“The President prays God Almighty to grant the departed eternal rest and comfort those who mourn.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu described Alao-Akala’s death as a rude shock.
Akeredolu lamented that the region, especially Oyo State have lost a giant and quintessential politician who was committed to friendship, progress and development of the society till the end.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde added, ““The finality of death is a hard reality to deal with. Notwithstanding, it is a puzzle that only God understands.
“He giveth and taketh. Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala did not bid us farewell. We were not prepared to lose him now. The news of his demise came as a rude shock. It is, indeed, a piercing pain.
“More than mere emotional flashes, we reflect on the time and moments we have shared, the struggles we all partook.
“Our wins and constant hope together. His death causes a deafening silence in our hearts. It is a big blow dealt on us.
“As a former Governor, Akala did his best by contributing immensely to the growth of the pacesetter state. Under his reign, the people witnessed development in all ramifications. He was a man that loved his people.
“Akala was a strong pillar of our great party, the APC, in Oyo State. He played the elderly role by stabilizing the party in the state. His death is a huge loss to the APC.”
