Osinbajo eulogises late Akala, Soun Oyewumi

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN has described the late Adebayo Alao–Akala, former governor of Oyo State, as one of the most astute politicians in the Southwest.

Osinbajo spoke to reporters on Sunday after a condolence visit to Alao-Akala’s family in Ogbomosho, Oyo state.

Alao-Akala, 71, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor of Oyo state from 2007 to 2011, died on January 12 at his residence in Ogbomosho.

The vice president said that over the years he had a close relationship with the deceased and his family.

“I had a personal relationship with him; Many years ago, I have been very close to him and his family, especially through his nephew, who is the current Oyo State Attorney General.

“Those were the days when I was teaching…he was so kind and generous; he was a very kind and generous person; I have always known him as someone very kind; so generous and so loving.

“That was my first impression of him; but since then, of course, as you know, he was possibly one of the shrewdest politicians to come out of the Southwest, and in fact he was, of course, as you know, Governor in Oyo State.

The late Adebayo Alao-Akala, a friend of Osinbajo

The vice president said that one thing that will remain everlasting in the memory was the way Alao-Akala did what he did in Oyo State.

He said the former governor’s contributions to APC cannot be forgotten.

“I think he was an absolutely amazing person and we pray that the Lord, Almighty God, bless his memory and keep all his legacies and make sure his legacies live on long after him.

“I must express my sincere condolences both to the governor of the state, who is the main mourner, and to all the family members and the entire community here in Ogbomosho.

“So, we pray that God will comfort the family,” he said.

Osinbajo had offered his condolences to the family, prayed for them and signed the register of condolences.

A massive crowd cheered, danced and welcomed the vice president to Ogbomoso.

Residents came out in droves and lined the city’s main highways displaying banners with various inscriptions in favor of Osinbajo.

At the Alao-Akala house, excited residents of the city gathered, beat drums and sang with the name of the vice president who welcomed the cheers.

Osinbajo had previously attended the Thanksgiving Service of the late Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi.

The service was held at the First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomosho.