Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun has described the death of former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, as a rude shock.
Similarly, the Governor has also commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Engineer Seyi Makinde, over the demise of his predecessor.
Otunba Alao-Akala who served as the governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011 died Wednesday morning at his country home of Ogbomoso.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, Governor Oyetola said he was pained and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Oyo political leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The Governor condoled Akala’s family, his political associates, government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident.
He described Akala’s death as a personal loss because the deceased was “a good friend of Osun who was always ready to identify with our government and celebrate our humble accomplishments and achievements.”
Oyetola recalled the laudable role Akala played during the resolution of the age-long battle between Oyo and Osun over the joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and gracing the State’s 30th anniversary Banquet and Awards which held last year.
He stated that the late Ogbomoso-born politician was an unassuming elder statesman and a seasoned political leader whose reputation is worth emulating, adding that he would be remembered for his Administration’s strides in Oyo.
“On behalf of my family, government and people of Osun, I commiserate with the family of late Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, his political associates, friends as well as the governor and government and people of Oyo State.
“I pray that God grant him eternal rest and watch over the family and loved ones he left behind,” Oyetola said.