Former Oyo State governor Adebayo Alao-Akala passes away in Ogbomosho aged 71

FORMER Oyo State governor Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala has passed away at his home in Ogbomosho during the early hours of today at the age of 71 prompting incumbent governor Seyi Makinde to order flags fly at half mast.

Chief Alao-Akala, who governed Oyo State between 2007 and 2011, was originally elected as deputy governor in 2003. Announcing his death today, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, said that the state has lost another great politician.

According to Hon Ogundoyin, the death of Chief Alao-Akala is another great loss to the state. He added that this was another unfortunate and devastating incident in the state, pointing out that Ogbomosoland has again lost a great son.

Hon Ogundoyin said: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Chief Adebayo Alao Akala. This is coming exactly four weeks after the passage of the paramount ruler of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade the third.

“As a former governor, late Adebayo Alao Akala contributed immensely to the development of Oyo State and as chairman in Ogbomosho North Local Government Area, his impact is still noticeable. Oyo State has lost a very powerful political figure ahead of the 2023 election.

"He was a charismatic leader. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family, political associates and the people of Ogbomosoland in general and his death is an enormous loss."

Governor Makinde added that the deceased took infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan, the capital. Consequently, to honour Chief Alao-Akala, Governor Makinde said he had ordered flags to fly at half-mast.

“I join the good people of Oyo State to mourn the passing of a former governor of our dear state, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, which sad event took place today. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.

“I have directed that flags fly at half-mast in honour of Governor Alao-Akala, our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State. His Excellency will be remembered for his contributions to the development of Oyo State as governor, especially for taking infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan," Governor Makinde added.